Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Poppy was concerned and said, “But… What about Madam Zoey? She might not want to see you divorced and return to the estate.”
Viola’s voice turned bitter. “Is that decision up to her? If I want to return to my family, my mom and my brother will support me.”
Poppy hesitated, wanting to offer a little more advice. “But Deputy Commander Jaffe doesn’t truly want a dvorce. He’s just said it in the heat of the moment. Maybe you should ask him again? Or have Madam Zoey come to speak with him on your behalf?”
Recalling how her sister-in-law had laughed at her multiple times, Viola could barely stand the thought of calling Zoey for help. Deep down, she was truly losing hope. What had she done wrong? Why was Blake treating her this way?
Valor Estate had nothing-nothing at all. Even their expenses were being cut back. The fine silks and jewels she used to have at her fingertips had become luxuries she had to scrimpon. Her wardrobe had shrunk to the bare minimum. During the harsh winter, they could only afford to burn two small trays of silver charcoal.
It was downright pathetic.
Was this truly the best she could hope for anymore?
The more Viola thought about it, the more unjust it felt.
Blake had been lucky to have her as his wife. What could he possibly have to complain about?
However, Viola wasn’t someone who ignored reality. Her marriage to
Blake was her second one, and she had an unspeakable history with. Silas. Although it hadn’t become public knowledge, her slip of the tongue tonight might lead to rumors spreading.
If she were to look for a third marriage, what kind of man would want her now? Thomas had made it clear that their connection was over, and there was no going back. What was she supposed to do, marry Silas? Forget it. She didn’t think much of Silas, anyway. Besides, even if he didn’t already have a wife, he was still far from someone she could entrust her life to.
Viola didn’t know what to do, so she decided to let the cold war drag on.
After all, it was she who brought up divorce. Blake only agreed in a moment of impulse. If they really went through with it, he would never find another wife.
Who would want him? The only chance he’d have would be to marry a merchant’s daughter or a commoner. No family with any kind of status would ever accept him. “Let’s not speak of tonight again,” Viola said, sounding tired as she closed her eyes. “Tomorrow, send for the physician. Tell them I’m unwell and need to rest for a few days.” “Yes, Madam Viola.” Poppy was unsure whether her mistress truly wanted a divorce, or if she was just venting in frustration. She fell silent and didn’t dare to press the matter further.
The next morning, Blake stood waiting at the gates of Hell Monarch Estate. This time, he was there to seek an audience with Rafael, not Sophie.
When Rafael emerged, he saw Blake standing by the corner with his horse, his face pale and drawn. He waved for Dylan to approach and inquire. Blake immediately led his horse closer, bowing his head in respect. “Your Highness.”
“What do you want?” Rafael asked, sizing him up.
Blake gathered his courage and asked, “Your Highness, might I ask if the people of Westhaven have dealt with Freya?”
Rafael was still irritated at how Blake had stopped Sophie outside the royal study, and he couldn’t muster any sympathy.
“How would I know? Ask someone else,” he responded coldly.
“Your Highness!” Blake quickly stepped forward, blocking his path. He bent low in a more urgent bow, pleading. “I know you’re the first to hear news like this. I admit I’ve made countless mistakes, but please, for the sake of my cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, tell me what you know.”
Rafael’s frustration turned into amusement. “Blake, your ‘cooperation’ with the Ministry of Justice is your duty as a subject and your way of protecting your position and family. Don’t try to make it sound like you’re doing me a favor. If you want favors, go to the Ministry of Justice.”
Blake realized that Rafael wasn’t responding to his plea and lowered his head further to apologize. “I misspoke, Your Highness. I simply wish to humbly plead that you would share what you know.”
Perhaps it was due to the nightmares that had been haunting him lately, but Blake’s complexion was worse than ever. His eyes were sunken and his posture was slumped, as if the weight of his life was pulling him down further.
Rafael wasn’t interested in speaking with Blake any longer. He gave a dismissive wave and said, “If there’s news, I’ll have someone send word. As of now, I haven’t received anything. You may leave.” “But-“
“But what? Just leave for now,”
Rafael cut him off, urging him to leave. He didn’t want Blake lingering around and possibly running into Sophie, which would surely stir up gossip.
And gossip, as always, would only harm the woman.
“Your Highness, please remember, if you hear anything, send word to me. Otherwise, I’ll have to come back,” Blake insisted.
Rafael could hardly contain his frustration. It was becoming absurd.
“Just go!” he snapped.
Blake bowed and turned, leading his horse away. As he reached the gates, he stole a glance back.
Rafael, cold as ever, stared him down. “Still here? Do you want me to force you to leave?”
With that, Blake quickly mounted his horse and rode off.
Rafael watched him leave for a moment, ensuring he wasn’t returning. Once satisfied, he turned to Dylan. “Keep watch. If he turns back, send him on his way. No pleasantries.” After giving the order, Rafael mounted his horse and hurried off. He needed to check in at the office.
When Blake came asking about Freya, Violet noticed him. She had been on her way to the workshop, but paused at the gates for a moment before turning around to find Sophie. Violet’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Oh, if I didn’t know better, I might think he’s some kind of devoted man.”
When Sophie heard Violet’s words, she couldn’t help but think back to the time before their divorce, when Blake had returned from Victory Pass and told her about Freya.
Back then Blake had seemed to be in love with Freya, but that was before she had revealed her true, ugly nature beneath the mask Once the illusion of love had shattered, Blake’s feelings faded too.
Even so, the bond they had shared on the battlefield-fighting for survival together-had left something behind, something that couldn’t simply be erased. His confession in the Ministry of Justice, where he felt responsible for betraying Freya, had added a layer of guilt he could never shake.
“Let’s not dwell on their business,” Sophie said, trying to push the thoughts aside. “I should be getting back to the Capital Guard headquarters.”
News of Freya’s death quickly reached Starhaven.
Winona and those from Skywing Spire had witnessed firsthand how the common folk vented their anger, and how Freya had met her tragic end. The letter didn’t arrive by carrier pigeon, but by swift horses sent from Skywing Spire, making its way directly to Hell Monarch Estate.
The details were described vividly. Winona made sure to include extra information specifically for Sophie.
Freya was the cause of the Devin family’s massacre, and Sophie hated her with all her heart. But because the events involved Fawnrun City, she couldn’t exact her own revenge. So, Winona had written all the details down, hoping to give Sophie some sense of closure.
Sophie read the letter once. Then again. She recognized the handwriting-it was Winona’s.
After reading it, she sat in a daze for a long time before letting out a deep sigh. Then, she broke down and cried in Rafael’s arms.
Rafael held her close, gently patting her back, feeling a deep sorrow for her. At least, now, she could cry freely. Yet, while the vengeance was satisfied, the pain would stay with her for a lifetime.
As he wiped away her tears, Rafael whispered softly, “The debts have been repaid. Freya and the spies from Westhaven will face your parents’ judgment in the afterlife.”
Sophie rested her head against his chest, the weight of the past years playing out in her mind, each memory sharp and painful, as if tearing her heart apart.
Outside, Lulu sat on the doorstep. She stared at the sunset as it painted the sky in fiery hues, like a burning flame. Her heart still ached, knowing that even though Freya was dead, the pain would never truly fade. She imagined Sophie felt just as she did. Violet had also read the letter. Inside, a feeling of satisfaction stirred. She muttered under her breath, “Finally, she’s dead. Good riddance.”
Jacob then instructed Dylan to go to Valor Estate and inform Blake of the news.