Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Naturally, Malcolm understood exactly why this was happening.
This all started with the commotion at Ironridge Estate, where things had blown up. Normally, once someone dug into the Marquis of Ironridge’s family, they wouldn’t dig too deep. But clearly, the people from Hell Monarch Estate weren’t going to back down easily. Malcolm’s feelings toward Rafael were mixed-admiration and wariness. It was much like how the king had once felt about the prince. However, it now seemed that Salvador had pushed past his doubt and was starting to trust his brother more and more. Once the balance was broken, danger loomed.
Malcolm saw it clearly and felt the urgency in his chest.
The notice of visit had been delivered late at night, but the Hell Monarch’s carriage didn’t arrive at the Quinton family’s residence until nearly noon the following day. Despite his impatience, Malcolm could only greet them with a smile, accompanied by his family.
Jacob and Lulu came along, both carrying gifts a necessity when visiting. However, Rafael’s gift was for Gerald, while Sophie’s was for Marjorie Though Malcolm wasn’t he receiving anything from them, still put on a smile. He ushered them in and followed all the formalities, from offering seats to serving refreshments.
After Sophie took a sip of her coffee, she invited Marjorie to stroll through the garden. Rafael could handle things here without her.
Marjorie looked much more haggard than the last time Sophie had seen her. Only a light dusting of rouge hid her fatigue.
The two women walked ahead, with a small group of maids and servants trailing at a distance. A soft breeze caressed their faces as the sun shone warmly, creating a picture perfect day. The garden was filled with the delicate scent of blooming flowers, while butterflies danced through the air, their radiant wings shimmering in the sunlight.
Yet, despite the beauty around her, Marjorie’s face remained melancholy. It was as if the sorrow of autumn still clung to her. Only when speaking to Sophie did she offer a faint smile.
“I’ve always wanted to visit you, Your Grace, but I heard that you’ve been busy with official duties so I didn’t want to disturb you. I’m so happy to see you today.”
“You seem to be looking weary. You should take care of yourself,” Sophie said with concern.
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Grace,” Marjorie replied softly. “I assume you’ve come because of Skye Embroidery?”
“You’ve heard about it?” Sophie asked, her brow lifting in mild surprise.
“I’ve heard whispers,” Marjorie said, stopping and bowing toward the princess consort. “If I’ve offended you in any way, please allow me to apologize first.”
Sophie gently touched her hand, then asked, “What do you think of Skye Embroidery, Madam Marjorie?”
Marjorie met Sophie’s gaze, and for a moment, her eyes were bright and clear.
“It’s excellent,” she said softly.
–
Able to easily distinguish between politeness and sincerity, Sophie could tell that Marjorie wasn’t being dismissive.
“Madam Marjorie, the queen is your daughter. If Skye Embroidery is something the queen is spearheading, then that would be the best possible outcome,” Sophie said.
Marjorie paused for a moment, slightly startled. “Your Grace, if Skye Embroidery succeeds, it will certainly be remembered for generations. You’ve already started working on it, and although there will be obstacles, I believe it won’t be too difficult for you.” Sophie smiled. “It’s easier said than done. In the end, it’s a matter of changing mindsets.”
Marjorie nodded slightly, resuming her walk. “Indeed, it’s difficult. But since you’ve already borne the criticism, why should you share any credit with Her Majesty?”
Sophie chuckled lightly. “I believe claiming credit for this would be too shallow. The real accomplishment is ensuring that it benefits the people.”
There was a brief pause before Marjorie responded, her voice laced with admiration, “You have a rare and broad-minded perspective, Your Grace. It’s truly remarkable.”
Recognizing the moment for what it was, Sophie gently suggested, “Perhaps you could speak to Her Majesty about it.”
Sophie had a clear purpose in mind. If Victoria took the lead in backing the women’s academy, while Kylie took charge of the workshop, many of the thorny issues would be alleviated. Marjorie nodded thoughtfully. “Thank you, Your Grace. I will mention it to her.”
Hearing her calm, unhurried tone, Sophie knew the chances of Kylie getting involved were slim. So, she didn’t waste time and asked directly, “If Her Majesty isn’t interested, would you be?” They reached a pavilion and sat down slowly.
Marjorie gave a faint smile and said, “My household affairs keep me busy. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to live up to your expectations, Your Grace.”
Sophie didn’t press her. “There’s no need to live up to anything. Just follow your heart.”
Marjorie’s eyes seemed to lose focus for a moment.
Follow her heart?
Women couldn’t follow their hearts. This world was ruled by men.
In the main hall, the atmosphere had grown tense after Rafael spoke.
“Skye Embroidery is my princess consort’s hard work. I don’t want anyone ruining it-anyone at all,” he said, blunt and direct.
The words hung in the air, almost blatantly stating his intent. Malcolm had expected some subtlety, perhaps a few pleasantries first, before getting to the matter at hand.
Instead, it was brought up directly with no buildup, leaving no room for tact or grace. It was downright awkward. If anything, it would’ve been better to just be upfront at least then Malcolm could’ve come up with some excuse. Rafael, ever considerate, didn’t leave the tension hanging. When the atmosphere hit an all-time low, he took the chance and made things clear, as Malcolm wanted.
“As for the troublemakers among the scholars, I’ll be keeping an eye on them for now. But if they cause any more trouble, I won’t show them any leniency, even with your intervention,” the prince declared. Malcolm’s lips twitched. He had no choice but to swallow his frustration. There was no longer any room for explanation or debate. Rafael wasn’t here to ask for anything; he was here to lay down the law.
Seeing Malcolm’s silence, the Hell Monarch pressed on, saying, “Given the damage they’ve done to the reputation of the workshop, they need to make amends. They’ll need to publicly correct their lies.
“Of course, their earlier slander was done in secrecy. I have no patience for underhanded methods. If they’re going to make things right, it has to be done openly-by signing their names to the articles, which must first be submitted to Jacob for review. If he approves, they can be published.”
He set down his cup, eyes sharp and serious. “That’s the purpose of my visit today. I expect you to handle this thoroughly, Lord Quinton. Make sure I don’t have to come back again.”
Malcolm’s face shifted between shades of anger and disbelief. “Your Highness, are you forcing my hand? They have the right to voice their opinions. You can’t say the workshop is your princess conset project and forbid anyone from speaking against it. Remember, under the weight of power, there will always be resistance.”
Rafael took another sip of coffee, his expression unchanging as he spoke in a warm and calm tone, “I understand, but you and those scholars need to understand this: If they don’t follow my instructions, they’ll soon learn what real power feels like.” Malcolm’s face darkened with fury. “Are you threatening me, Your Highness?”
Rafael nodded, setting the cup down with deliberate calmness. His gaze was unwavering. “If you have any complaints, you’re welcome to voice them, Lord Quinton. We can settle them slowly. I can find a hundred mistakes in you, but I doubt you’ll be able to find even one in me.”
His words hit like a hammer, the weight of them pressing down on Malcolm’s chest, making it hard to breathe.
His tone deliberate, Rafael spoke slowly, “Having leverage in someone else’s hands really does leave you at their mercy. I didn’t make your situation public at first because a good piece of leverage should be used wisely. Now, the time has come. No more talking. If the articles aren’t in Jacob’s hands within two days, you’ll have to write an article yourself to clear your name.”
There it was-a blatant threat.
Malcolm’s chest heaved with frustration, but he could only glare in silence.
Rafael remained as composed as ever, as if he hadn’t just made a bombshell of a statement. He sipped the fine coffee in his cup, showing no sign of haste. He was a man of high standards, and this coffee was quite good. Malcolm’s household clearly had taste, though they also liked to flaunt their moral superiority.
Such self-righteous people were often the easiest to handle, especially someone like Malcolm who was so concerned with his reputation yet careless about preserving his dignity.
After taking a moment to savor the coffee, Sophie and Marjorie returned. Rafael stood, his eyes still fixed on the pale-faced Malcolm.
“I have important matters to attend to today, so I’ll take my leave. I hope I won’t need to return.”
Malcolm’s face had turned a shade too dark to pull off even a polite smile. He stiffly rose and managed to say, “Your Highness, Your Grace, please travel safely.”