Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Rafael felt momentarily stifled by the remark, but he was unable to argue against it.
Rafael stole a glance at Sophie, relieved to see she wasn’t angry. Turning away, he felt the urge to slap himself for even worrying. It was clear that Trevor truly adored his granddaughter. Rosalind seemed to be Trevor’s youngest grandchild. As the baby of the family, it made sense she would be the most cherished.
“Are you two in a hurry? Today, we “
“Yes, we’re in a hurry! That girl is practically in tears!” Trevor rubbed his knees anxiously, eager for them to seek out Thomas immediately. “She may be stubborn, but if the Farrell family gives her an answer she believes, she’ll be able to let it go. She won’t cling to it forever.”
Mildred nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Right now, all they’ve said is that they don’t want to hold my granddaughter’s life up. Rosalind thinks they’re just making excuses. If they’re not interested, they should just say so. She’s the kind of person who needs honesty.” Hearing this, Rafae’s heart sank. It was clear he wouldn’t be taking his wife to see the sunset at Richspire Peak today.
He hid his disappointment, and said, “Alright then, I’ll send someone to invite Thomas here. Do you want to be present or not?”
“We won’t be present. We’d prefer you and Lady Sophie to handle this privately. If I’m there, he might just stick to saying he doesn’t want to hold up our granddaughter,” Trevor replied.
Sophie stood to see them off. “Then I’ll see you both out.”
“No need for that,” Mildred replied. “We’ll leave this matter to you and Prince Rafael. It would be best if you could get an answer after speaking to him, so we can all rest easy tonight. My husband hasn’t slept well for the last two nights.”
“Alright, I understand,” Rafael reluctantly replied as Luke and Jacob guided the elderly couple out. He turned to Sophie with a lamenting look. “Looks like we won’t make it to Richspire Peak today.”
Sophie smiled sweetly. “You can go next time you have a day off.”
“The next time off I have, we’ll be picking up Ryan.”
“There’s plenty of time ahead. There’s no rush,” Sophie reassured him, realizing she might not fully understand the nuances of romance. If their relationship were based solely on mutual respect, she was more than capable of that. But if they wanted something deeper, she could learn. All she needed was time.
Actually, back when he went to Sandoria to rescue the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team members, Violet had asked if she missed Rafael. Sophie wasn’t sure if she did. She had definitely thought about him, but more than that, she was worried about whether the rescue would go smoothly and if he would be in danger.
Violet had told her that she had changed. In the past, she loved everyone, but now she was afraid of loving someone. Love meant caring, and caring meant worrying about loss. “Sophie, you’re not brave anymore. You could even say you’ve become cowardly,” Violet had said.
Rafael already sent someone to summon Thomas as Sophie mulled over these thoughts in her mind.
Meeting with Thomas didn’t require a change of clothes. The get streamlined riding outfit at least conveyed that he had used part of his day off for Thomas’ sake, and he hoped the man wouldn’t beat around the bushes-Rafael just needed a straightforward answer to relay.
Sophie glanced at Rafael and gave him a heads-up. “Thomas probably doesn’t really want to get married. He’s just letting it be known to dissuade Viola.”
Rafael replied, “That’s true, but he really should have a wife by his side. Life is much better with a spouse.”
“Everyone has different ideas about that. We can’t force him into it.”
Rafael nodded, his eyes suddenly taking on a pitiful look. “I didn’t mean anything by saying this wouldn’t be Thomas’ first marriage. I swear, I wasn’t trying to imply anything.” Sophie smiled knowingly. “I understand. You were just stating facts. I’m sure Thomas won’t mind.”
Rafael studied her for a moment. “What about you? Do you mind me saying it?”
“Why would I? It’s not like I-” Sophie began, then suddenly paused.
Well, she wasn’t exactly a first-time bride, either. “As long as you don’t mind, then it’s fine. I have no reason to feel upset. I’m the one benefiting here.”
Rafael chuckled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. “I don’t mind at all if you’re benefiting.”
“What kind of wolfish words are these?” Violet exclaimed as she entered the room just in time to catch Rafael’s remark. She took a step back, looking mockingly alarmed. “Should I leave?”
Sophie laughed, and said, “What’s the rush? Your godbrother will be here soon. There’s someone interested in him who wants to know his feelings, but he’s already turned her down. This time, they’re inviting him to clarify whether he’s truly not interested or if he just has no plans to marry.”
Violet’s eyes brightened, and she hurried inside. “Really? Which girl has such good taste to fancy my godbrother? Come on, spill it!”
“The granddaughter of Mr. Young, Rosalind.” Sophie shushed her quickly. “Don’t spread this around. It might not lead anywhere.”
“It’s her?” Violet shot up from her seat, shock written all over her face. “Is my godbrother out of his mind? Rosalind Young! Why did he refuse? She’s such a catch-gracious, loyal, talented, and stunning. Families would be fighting over her!” “Keep it down,” Sophie snapped, shooting her a glare.
Violet sat back down, a huge grin on her face. “I’m just so excited! But does Ms. Young really like him? It couldn’t be just a passing fancy, could it?”
“That’s what worries me. I suspect your godbrother…” Sophie paused, then added, “By the way, you haven’t made it official with Thomas’ mother, and here you are calling him godbrother. Doesn’t that seem a bit inappropriate?”
Violet waved her hand dismissively. “In the martial world, there’s no such thing as inappropriate! We’re just waiting for the right moment, you know? I’ve even gone to pay my respects to my godmother. You should have seen her face-she was so happy to have me as her goddaughter!”
“But you already have brothers. Why must you insist on calling Thomas your godbrother?”
Sophie was puzzled. Violet had never truly been interested in anyone, as she had high standards. The only reason they shared this bond was that they had grown up together.
Violet swung her feet back and forth in her chair. “It’s about finding a connection.”
She wouldn’t admit it, but she longed for the kind of respectful brothers that Sophie had one or many would do.
Before long, Thomas arrived.
The people who went to get him were efficient, and Thomas had grown accustomed to a brisk pace. He never lingered when it came to business.
However, he hadn’t anticipated that Rafael would summon him regarding his marriage.
He had no immediate plans to wed, preferring to let things settle before addressing such matters. He laid his intentions bare, leaving nothing unsaid, hoping it would dissuade Violet from holding on to any notions.
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As Violet heard this, she remarked, “But as long as you don’t marry, she won’t really let go of that hope.”
Thomas replied, “Yes, but she already came to my family’s residence to see me. I had the maid pass along a message, so she understands now and won’t be a bother. My marriage plans can be put on hold for a while.” “Right. She caused a scene at the estate, thinking I was the one who spilled the beans,” Sophie said.
Thomas froze. “How could she think it was you?”
Sophie explained the whole situation, and by the time she finished, Thomas’ brow was still deeply furrowed. He stared blankly for a long moment.
“I can’t believe she’d act like this. She’s pregnant! Even if she doesn’t think of herself, she should be considering her child,” he said.
“Let’s not talk about her,” Violet said, looking at Thomas. “Thomas, Ms. Young is truly a good woman and worth your consideration. You can’t avoid marriage forever. My godmother is counting on
Eyelet you to settle down and start a family.”
Thomas smiled at his godsister. “You don’t need to worry about my marriage. I know Ms. Young is good, but she’s too good for me. I don’t deserve her.”
Sophie chimed in, “Whether you’re worthy or not is for others to say. If she believes she’s a match for you, then that’s all that matters. But it’s hard to tell if she’s just caught up in a moment or genuinely wants to marry you. Let me ask you this-if she truly meant it, would you really consider it?”
Thomas said, “Actually, Mr. Young has already sent a matchmaker to inquire. Mom was over the moon. She was practically itching to exchange the wedding contracts and pick a date. I had to stop her.” Violet could easily picture that scene, and chuckled softly. “Any family would react just like her.”