Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
In other words, she had once been called Amara Quinton.
Violet’s expression darkened. Forgive her for her lack of education, but the literal meaning of the name struck her -‘Eternal Promise”.
What was Malcolm thinking when he named her? Was it a vow of eternal devotion to Casey, or a promise to care for his daughter forever?
Regardless, if Marjorie were to hear that name, it would surely break her heart.
What had Marjorie done wrong? Over the years, she managed both the external and internal affairs of the family. She had also skillfully handled the household. Beyond that, she was a kind-hearted woman known for her generosity-donating food and medicine to those in need, and regularly visiting the local temple to pray for blessings.
To ensure the family line continued, she had arranged for Malcolm to take concubines early on. At first, when his position was modest, he only had two concubines. After his rise, she elevated his two long-term companions to the status of concubines.
Marjorie wasn’t a harsh matriarch. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have allowed four concubines to bear children for Malcolm. She also treated them all kindly.
“I wish I could be as carefree as you, Your Grace, but I can’t. My life is intertwined with so many others. I already have three grandsons, all older than this child. can’t afford to be so reckless. And if I were to divorce him, I’d become the biggest joke in the world. I’d also drag the queen down with me. There’s just too much to consider.”
Sophie understood.
However, Sophie couldn’t let Marjorie take the child back at the moment??t least, not unless Malcolm or Lionel came to claim her. She didn’t dare take that risk. After all, this was a life at stake. Even though Marjorie was doing her best to appear gracious, the heart of a person was difficult to read.
It was best to be cautious.
“If you truly want to take the child home, then please ask Lord Malcolm or your son to come to Pearwater Convent in person. I can’t just hand her over to you.” Sophie paused, her thoughts weighing heavily. “Or perhaps you should return home and think it over more carefully. Make sure you can truly accept her. It wouldn’t do anyone any good if you took her back and ended up regretting it.”
Marjorie nodded. “I’ve thought it through deeply, but I understand that you’re concerned for me I’ll go back and discuss it with them.”
“Very well,” Sophie replied. “Then, I’ll take her with me for now.”
With that, Sophie exited the carriage. She mounted her horse and rode away with Violet.
Sophie temporarily entrusted the child to the abbess, making it clear that someone might come to adopt her soon.
The abbess cradled Amara??ow Briar??ently, her expression warm and compassionate as she sighed ‘softly.
“If someone adopts her and she finds parents who cherish her, that would be the best outcome.”
As the sun dipped low, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Sophie and Violet rode down the mountain. The matter wasn’t fully settled, but they could finally relax a bit.
“They’ll be executing Henry tomorrow. Do you think anyone from his family will come forward to claim his body?” Violet asked.
“I’m not sure,” Sophie replied, her thoughts drifting back to Marjorie’s intention to take the child home.
Violet caught on quickly. “So, Malcolm’s wife really wants to bring the child back, huh?”
“She said so, but I can’t tell if it’s just a spur??f??he??oment decision.”
Violet frowned. “Although it’s true the child is an innocent victim of Eleanor’s actions, why should Marjorie have to bear this burden? For her, this child’s existence has turned her life upside down. It has put her in this strange and painful situation where all the good she thought she had now feels like a distant illusion. It’s really sad.”
“She asked me what I would do if I were in her position, Sophie said, letting her horse pick its way down the rocky trail with sure??ooted ease. “What do you think I would do if Raf had a mistress and fathered a child?”
Violet didn’t hesitate. “If you were still the same person from Meadow Ridge back then, you’d probably gather all your strength to confront him: But now? You’d likely choose to divorce him and go your separate ways.”
Sophie laughed. “I really can’t let you get too familiar with me.”
“Do you think I don’t know you?” Violet shot her a teasing glance.
“What about you? What would you do?”
Violet chuckled lightly. “That kind of thing could never happen to me because I won’t be marrying anyone. I don’t have to face that possibility.”
“True,” Sophie mused.
Violet tilted her chin slightly. “Actually, do you support me choosing not to get married? You and Prince Rafael seem so happy together. Would you suggest I find someone to marry too?”
Sophie met her gaze. “Of course not. Your life is yours to decide. I’m here to support you and offer help when you need it. Love and marriage aren’t everything in life. You don’t have to marry to find happiness. You’ve always defined happiness as being wealthy and free??oing what you want and not being forced into anything you don’t wish to do.”
Violet raised her chin, a spark of confidence in her eyes. “Exactly! I’ve surpassed many already. I should. be happy every day. If I want to waste time, that’s fine. If I want to do something meaningful with you, that’s fine too. I’ll do as I please.
“That’s right. As long as you’re happy,” Sophie replied, her eyes filled with gentle warmth,
That evening, Marjorie summoned Lionel to join her in the study to meet with Malcolm. For the past few days, Malcolm had shut himself away in there, dealing with the fallout from Casey’s situation. Salvador knew about the situation with Casey, and more than just the surface of It. He was aware she had even been in contact with Lionel.
Considering their relationship as in??aws, Salvador merely reprimanded Malcolm lightly and let it go.
But for Malcolm, moving past the matter was harder. He might have hidden it from his wife, but many in the household knew. Just because they remained silent didn’t mean they weren’t whispering behind his back.
His authority was slipping away.
“Dad!” Lionel’s voice broke through from outside the study.
Malcolm coughed before asking, “What is it?”
He didn’t want to talk to his son. He didn’t want to talk to anyone. All he wanted was to quietly endure these troubled days.
“Mom is worried about you and wants to have a word, Lionel replied.
Lionel had assumed Marjorie didn’t know anything about the situation. He thought she had called him over out of concern for Malcolm.
Hearing that his wife was here, Malcolm gathered himself. He coughed a few more times and finally stood to open the door. The dim light cast a shadow over his worn features, but he managed a soft smile for Marjorie.
“I’ve been coughing and didn’t want to pass anything on to you, so I stayed in here.” He took Marjorie’s hand, his tone still tender as it had always been, “Your hands are so cold. Why don’t you wear another layer?”
Marjorie gently withdrew her hand and smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. The room is warm enough.”
Malcolm’s gaze lingered on the empty space where her hand had been, momentarily stunned. After all these years of marriage, she had never pulled away whenever he held her hand..
Marjorie took the lead, settling into a chair before calmly instructing, “Lionel, close the door. The three of us need to talk.”
Lionel sensed something was amiss and cast a puzzled glance at his dad, who sat with his lips pressed together, caught somewhere between confusion and onense. With a heavy step, Lionel shut the door and returned to his seat.
Marjorie placed one hand on the armrest and rested the other in front of her. These past years had been comfortable for her. She had enjoyed a loving marriage and a life of abundance. This made her appear younger than her peers, and her round face and elegant demeanor marked her as someone of high status.
Yet, in recent days, a hint of weariness had crept in.