Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
The air was alive with the sound of drums and trumpets. The procession moved from the Farrell family’s residence to Highstone Estate. Colorful flowers were thrown every few steps, scattering the petals across the ground and covering the dirty snow along the path.
Thomas rode at the head of the procession, dressed in a deep sky-blue tunic embroidered with mythical beasts. A black-and-white fox fur cloak draped over his shoulders. His tanned skin carried a certain boldness, different from the fair complexions of other noble sons in the capital. The contrast made his sharp features even more striking.
His eyes were steady, his purpose clear.
Behind him rode a group of young men from his family, while Alice and Opal, along with a few other ladies of the household, sat comfortably in the carriage.
Curious citizens gathered along the route, whispering among themselves as they watched the procession. Thomas was clearly going to propose marriage, but to which family?
“It must be the Quinton family. I’ve heard rumors that the Farrell family wants to propose to one of the Quinton family’s daughters, the one from the fourth branch,” one person speculated.
“I don’t think so. I heard the Quinton family doesn’t think much of General Farrell,” another corrected.
“No, that’s not it! You heard it wrongly. It’s the Farrell family who doesn’t think much of the Quinton family.”
“Ridiculous. The Farrell family wouldn’t look down on the Quinton family! How could they compare? So many people dream of marrying into the Quinton family.”
“You can say whatever you want, but this is what I’ve heard. Sure, the Quinton family has immense power, but I admire General Farrell. He doesn’t care for politics, and he’s only focused on protecting the kingdom.” “But his household is a mess, didn’t you hear?” someone added.
“So what? That has nothing to do with him. Don’t forget, he was on the battlefield fighting for the nation during that time.”
The murmurs followed the procession until it reached Highstone Estate, where it came to a stop.
The crowd fell silent in shock.
What? Thomas was here to propose to someone at Highstone Estate?
Those who had once caused a scene at Highstone Estate now stood in a row outside the gates. Their heads were lowered, and fear was clear in their eyes. Ahead of them stood a group of burly men, their fists so massive they looked like they could crush skulls with a single blow.
When Thomas dismounted, his cold gaze swept over their faces, and a thin, chilling smile escaped his lips. The formidable aura he exuded was enough to make the men’s legs weak with dread. One by one, they huddled closer together, too afraid to meet Thomas’s frosty stare. Trevor had ordered the main gates to be opened. When Mildred heard that the Farrell family had come to propose marriage, she suddenly felt her health improve by half. She immediately ordered hot water to be brought for a bath, calling for her servants to prepare her clothes and makeup, eager to meet with them in person.
Rosalind, however, had no idea what was happening. For the past few days, her granddad had insisted that she remain in Amber Hall. He had also forbidden any of the servants from passing on the rumors circulating outside to her.
On the surface, she appeared calm-reading books, admiring the snow, and sipping coffee. But deep down, she was struggling. She thought she could handle it with grace. But when the rumors came crashing down on her like an unrelenting tide, they caught her completely off guard. Luckily, while she was hurt, she didn’t crumble.
Her resilience came from the countless books she had read. Through their pages, she had glimpsed so many lives-stories of struggle and strength. She had learned that in this vast and complex world, everyone had their own difficult path to walk.
She knew that no one’s journey was ever a straight path, and hardships were inevitable. But she also knew that after the trials, happiness would come just as difficult moments would eventually pass.
She comforted herself, telling herself that as long as she didn’t care about the rumors, they wouldn’t hurt her.
Moreover, she had long ago resigned herself to the possibility of never marrying, so it didn’t matter.
It really didn’t matter.
The warmth from the silver charcoal stove filled the room. With practiced hands, she prepared coffee, her movements smooth and serene. As she heard the distant sound of drums and trumpets, she paused for a moment, then gave a faint, bitter smile. It seemed likely they were trying to draw attention with more than just storytelling by the gate-they had brought out the drums to lure in a crowd.
“Ms. Rosalind!” Her maid, Josie, rushed into the room, her beautiful eyes sparkling with excitement. “General Farrell has come to propose! He brought Mrs. Murray as a matchmaker, and the gifts-oh, there are so many of them! Anyone who didn’t know better would think they were here for the wedding already!”
The cup crashed onto the table, and Rosalind’s pale hand trembled slightly. “General Farrell?”
“General Thomas Farrell!” Josie was practically bouncing with excitement, knowing better than anyone what was in her mistress’ heart. Rosalind had never truly let go of Thomas.
Rosalind took a deep breath. “How could this be?”
“It’s true! Mr. Trevor even opened the main gates to welcome him! I swear it’s no mistake.” Josie’s voice was thick with emotion, her eyes misting.
Rosalind stood up, ready to run outside, but stopped short at the doorway. Taking a deep breath, she stepped back and returned to her seat, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of her chest.
She couldn’t go out—not yet. Not unless her grandfather summoned her first.
Days of irregular meals had left her looking a little pale, but now, with her emotions surging, a flush crept up her cheeks. It was the kind of red that called to mind autumn winds brushing through a maple grove-vivid and breathtaking, spreading inch by inch.
After a moment, she steadied herself, her lips curling into a faint, bittersweet smile.
Thomas was a good man-truly a good man. He knew of the rumors attacking her and had come to shield and protect her. She was deeply moved and incredibly grateful. The warmth of his kindness spread through her like a comforting fire on a cold night.
Yet, she couldn’t accept it.
She felt unworthy of accepting him. Back when his assignment was still uncertain-whether he had to be sent to the Southern Frontier or Victory Pass-she couldn’t bring herself to leave her family behind. So, she didn’t have the right to still be in love with him.
Because she had let go of him back then, she now felt she didn’t deserve to accept his kindness.
Rosalind’s thoughts were a tangled mess, but amidst all the confusion, the clearest feeling was gratitude. His arrival felt like a hero descending from the heavens, rescuing her from a dire situation.
It was the kind of scene that countless women had dreamed of, and now it was unfolding in her own life.
About an hour later, Trevor sent someone to escort Rosalind.
Rosalind watched as Josie picked out the most delicate, exquisite clothes for her, pairing them with carefully matched jewelry. After much thought, Rosalind decided to simply go as she was.
She wore a white gown paired with a soft apricot-yellow cloak. The outfit was simple and unassuming, as though she were about to take a casual stroll in the garden, rather than attending a formal gathering or discussing matters of her future. When she reached the main hall of the outer courtyard, she saw a crowd of people, the scene quite grand.
Then she saw him.
His gaze met hers, deep and piercing, yet tinged with restraint.
She couldn’t meet his eyes for long, her heart thundering in her chest, cheeks flushed with heat.
But the etiquette was ingrained in her, and she forced herself to approach each person, making her way forward. When Alice saw her, a deep sense of joy filled her heart. She immediately took Rosalind’s hand and said warmly, “Child, I know these days have been hard on you.”
The kindness of an elder brought Rosalind to the brink of tears. She fought to keep her composure, her throat tight as she forced the words out, “Thank you, Mrs. Farrell. It’s nothing, truly. A little hardship is nothing.”
Natalie, the prime minister’s wife, felt a pang of sorrow at Rosalind’s state. How could such a talented, graceful young woman be reduced to the subject of such gossip?
She said softly, “My dear, I’m here today as a matchmaker. Your grandparents wish to know your opinion, and I ask you now-do you consent to marry Thomas Farrell?”
Rosalind clutched her handkerchief, trying to appear calm and composed. For some reason, the feelings of frustration she had previously held back suddenly rushed to the surface. She almost lost her composure and cried right then and there, her throat choking up as she couldn’t say whether she agreed or disagreed.
Everyone was waiting for her answer, but she couldn’t find the words.
Thomas stood up and walked over to her, then nodded respectfully and said, “Ms. Young, may we speak privately for a moment?”