Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Accompanied by Kylie and Sophie, Kiera first went to the family chapel to bow in farewell, then proceeded to greet her mother and the queen dowager.
Tears welled up in Victoria’s eyes as she embraced Kiera. Standing nearby, Helen struggled to comprehend why mothers cried when sending off their daughters. It wasn’t like their daughters were heading into a den of dragons and tigers.
However, seeing Victoria cry made Helen instinctively join in. Though she couldn’t squeeze out any tears, she dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief.
Victoria held Kiera close, her voice choked with emotion as she said, “I still remember the day you were born. You were a rosy little bundle and you cried so loudly! You’ve always been such a good child, charming everyone. Even those who right not like your mom adored you.”
Dakota and Josephine exchanged awkward smiles, clearly the subjects of Victoria’s remarks. It was true. They hadn’t cared much for Helen back in the day, but her children were simply delightful-especially Kiera. That little girl had a sweetness about her, bounding towards them with her tiny legs and calling them “aunt” with such endearing innocence.
Reflecting on those times made their eyes misty as they realized that little girl was now grown up and getting married.
Soon, officials from the Heritage Bureau and the Royal Management Department came to urge Kiera onward. She took her time, bowing to the queen dowager, her mother, and the other concubines in farewell.
As the white veil was placed over
Kiera’s head and the palace attendants guided her out, a sudden wave of sadness washed over
Helen, and tears spilled from bernet eyes without warning. She finally grasped that her daughter, who had always clung to her side, was about to become someone else’s wife.
The days of Kiera calling her “Mom” and staying by her side were coming to an end.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Helen felt Sophie’s hand grip hers. The tears she had tried to hide spilled under her daughter-in-law’s gaze.
Sophie sighed softly. She couldn’t bear to see women cry. It made her heart ache.
On the day of Kiera’s grand wedding, the Quinton family’s residence was abuzz with activity.
The dowry had been delivered to Ivory Estate the day before, but the wedding ceremony and banquet were to take place at the Quinton family’s residence. The threshold of their estate was nearly worn down from the countless guests who streamed in to celebrate. Before Eleanor arrived at the Quinton family’s residence for the feast, she allowed Carmen a brief visit to Harmony Palace.
Melanie Lester remained imprisoned in Harmony Palace’s dungeon, a place reeking of decay. Each day, the door would open for just an hour to air out the stench, a supposed act of kindness from Eleanor, who claimed it was out of compassion. But it wasn’t just Melanie who was imprisoned there. Several other concubines and servants who had erred shared her fate. Once someone entered the dungeon, there was little hope of escape. The foul odor was tinged with the scent of blood. As Carmen stepped into the dungeon, an overwhelming wave of revulsion hit her, causing her to feel nauseous. But she pushed past the discomfort and hurried straight to her mom’s cell.
The cells weren’t separated by iron bars but built with solid walls, ensuring no one could see one another. Each room had a door with a small window at the bottom, through which food was passed. Those confined within had no one to talk to.
Every cell contained a bed and a toilet, with the promise of a bath just once a month. The meaning behind Eleanor’s actions was that Henry would visit them during that time, so they had to stay clean when he did. If they went an entire month without any screams or noise, they would earn a half-day to go outside and stretch their legs.
Carmen had been here once before. It was just before her mission, when Eleanor had taken pity on her and allowed her a glimpse of the suffering her mom endured.
Greta called for the door to be opened, and Carmen rushed inside.
On the bed lay a thin and pitiful woman. She coughed weakly as she turned to the door. Upon recognizing her daughter, she struggled to sit up.
“Mom!” Carmen cried, wrapping her arms around the woman, tears spilling over in an instant. “Didn’t they say they would get you a physician? Why are you still coughing so badly?”
Melanie clutched her daughter tightly, her frail body-nothing but bones-seeming to channel an immense strength as she nearly squeezed the breath from Carmen.
“I thought I would never see you again. How are you? Are you alright? And your sister?”
Carmen fought back her tears, her voice catching in her throat as she replied, “I’m doing well, Mom. The grand princess treats me very kindly.”
Melanie’s eyes filled with disbelief. She wept as she said, “You coming to see me means she needs you now.”
Leaning closer, Melanie whispered in a trembling voice after a few sobs, “Don’t worry about me. Escape while you can. Go as far away as possible.” Her heart aching, Carmen replied firmly, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll complete the task given to me by the grand princess and get you out of here.” Melanie grasped her daughter’s clothing tightly. “Just run away!”
“You just have to nodded vigorously, her eyes glinting with an unusual resolve. Leaning closer to her mother, she whispered, “If Dad comes to see you, persuade him to cooperate with my plan. We have no other options.”
trust me.” Carmen
Melanie released her grip, her tear-filled eyes watching Carmen with confusion.
“Trust me, Mom. I’ll save you…” Carmen took a deep breath and mouthed silently, “And the other concubines.”
Then, she spoke louder, “Don’t worry. I’ll definitely follow the grand princess’ instructions. If I do everything right, we will be reunited.”
Melanie’s eyes widened. They were already gaunt and hollowed, and they now reflected a fresh wave of terror, making her appear even more pitiful. Carmen nodded confidently. “Mom, remember what I said. I can do this.”
She lifted her gaze and locked eyes with Melanie. The determination in her daughter’s eyes was something Melanie had never seen before.
Fear clutched at Melanie’s heart.
She reached out, wanting to say something to dissuade Carmen. She wanted to warn her daughter to not attempt the impossible-doing so might lead to destruction, and she might not even know why.
But looking at her daughter’s unwavering resolve, Melanie slowly withdrew her hand. Even if she couldn’t help, she wouldn’t hinder her daughter’s efforts. Melanie Carmen, and Celeste, along with the Lester family, were bound to one another.
Melanie couldn’t afford to seek death. Otherwise, her two daughters would pay with their lives, and the Lester family would surely face a grim fate. She couldn’t die, but she couldn’t have a good life either. In that case, it was time to fight back. After all, they had been pushed to the brink.
Meanwhile, the wedding banquet at the Quinton family’s residence was buzzing with excitement.
To make an effort to uphold the third branch’s reputation, the head of the Quinton family, Malcolm Quinton, who was also the current Civil Minister and the father of the queen, invited all the influential officials and nobles of the capital. This included the Jaffe family.
Although the Jaffe family was now on the decline among the powerful, their ancestors had indeed produced a great general. Otherwise, how would they have Valor Estate? As a key official in court and the king’s father-in-law, Malcolm was naturally expected to treat everyone fairly.
The Farrell family members were also among the guests.
On the third day after the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team returned, a royal edict was delivered to every member. Thomas was promoted to third-rank major general, while Felix was elevated to fourth-rank general. As for Lawrence, he was granted the title of Earl of Dunewind, and his wife, Kayla, was awarded the rank of a third-rank countess.
The special promotion was a recognition of Lawrence’s role as the chief strategist for the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team. After his capture, he had endured severe torture without betraying a single comrade, standing firm against the brutal interrogations. Salvador needed such spirit to bolster morale among the troops. Furthermore, since Lawrence was now disabled in one leg and would never see battle again, granting him an earldom and a title for his wife ensured he could enjoy a comfortable life for the rest of his days. As for the other members of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, Salvador would undoubtedly continue to rely on them, especially Thomas, Felix, Homer, and the two sons of the Cooper family. Even the rest of the team, who had all been ordinary soldiers, had been elevated in rank, and were awaiting orders from the king.
This was Thomas’ first banquet since returning to the capital, as well as his first time being among so many people again. The Farrell family had initially planned to host a banquet to celebrate his return, but Thomas felt too drained to engage in socializing. Alice was concerned about her son’s dazed state, so she took it upon herself to cancel the event.
Thomas wasn’t in great spirits. Since returning to the capital, he had been plagued by nightmares every night. He dreamt the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team was still teetering on the edge of danger. After waking, he found it hard to drift back to sleep.
He hadn’t sought news about Viola, subconsciously avoiding the subject. Also, he hadn’t intended to come to the banquet today. It was Felix who had insisted on dragging him along. Felix was very fond of Logan. Although they didn’t share blood, the bond between them was truly strong.
Amidst the festivities of this joyous banquet, both Felix and Thomas felt an overwhelming sense of contrast, as if they were out of place. They were often lost in thought. As a net result, the members of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team gravitated toward each other, finding comfort in their shared presence.
Lawrence hadn’t attended, but members of the Marquis of Elderglen’s family were there with Kayla. Previously, she had seldom attended social gatherings. However, her husband had expressed a desire to attend this one He had explained that it was Felix’s brother getting married and lamented his inability to go, urging his wife to represent him instead.
Thus, Kayla made her appearance.
Freshly bestowed with the title of a third-rank countess and having a royal edict in hand, she was met with great enthusiasm. Everyone gathered around to inquire about Lawrence’s health. Even Eleanor came over to ask a few questions before congratulating her on finally seeing the light after the storm.
As Kayla basked in the attention, Viola couldn’t help but feel as if she was being roasted over an open flame. Even though no one had directed a single question her way or cast her any disapproving glances, the embarrassment and anger simmered within her.