Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Salvador’s smile widened, and his gaze softened slightly.
“Look at you, getting so worked up-there’s no need for that. Putting aside the roles of ruler and subject, you should call me ‘big brother’. Isn’t this a family matter? You don’t need to speak of hostages-it only damages our relationship. If I really wanted to hold this against you, I could punish you for disrespect with what you just said.”
Sophie fought the urge to lash out, her fists clenched tightly. “Your Majesty, promise me that Ryan will not have to put up with Prince Connor’s bullying.”
Salvador’s grin deepened, his tone light. “No one will dare to bully Ryan. If Connor dares to speak disrespectfully, I’ll smack his mouth!”
Back at Hell Monarch Estate, Kyle tried to comfort the fuming Sophie.
“Sending Lady Helen and Ryan to the palace isn’t so bad, is it? If the rebels really manage to break in, the palace guards are the most formidable. They’d be safer there than if they stayed at the academy or here at the estate.”
Sophie drank down an entire jug of cold water, the chill in it only deepening her frustration.
“I know. That’s why I agreed, but agreeing doesn’t mean I’m not angry. He’s not doing it to protect Mother and Ryan. He’s using them as hostages. He knows that with Mother and Ryan in the palace, I’ll have no choice but to protect it with my life, even if it means sacrificing everything.’
If the rebels broke into the capital, the first thing they would do was surround Hell Monarch Estate, capturing anyone useful to control Dominic and Rafael.
Sophie wasn’t unaware of this-she just hated the thought of Salvador’s motives. Besides, if Helen and Ryan weren’t in the palace, she could still find a safe place for them.
Salvador constantly talked about loyalty to the kingdom, but in his eyes, the kingdom only existed for him. He expected others to risk their lives for him while holding their families hostage. And no matter what they do, he was always suspicious of their motives and ambitions.
It was tiresome.
Kyle ruffled her hair, messing it up even more. “Come on, why are you getting so upset? Unless you don’t want to integrate the Mystic Army?”
“He knows I have no choice,” Sophie muttered, her frustration evident.
Not integrating the Mystic Army wasn’t an option. Right now, they were scattered with different leaders in charge. If the rebels attacked the capital, they would be nothing more than a disorganized mob-hardly the elite force they needed.
Kyle shrugged. “People with power want to control everything, even the hearts and minds of others. Just focus on what you need to do. Forget about the frustrations and the resentment for now. Once it’s all over, we’ll have all the time in the world to do whatever we want.”
“I still have to talk to Lord Klein.” Sophie ran a hand through her hair, looking at Kyle with mock annoyance. “Kyle, you’ve messed up my hair again.”
“Hurry up and ask Lulu to help you fix your hair and wash your face. Get yourself tidied up you’ll feel much better,” Kyle said, his eyes filled with affection.
Sophie hurried inside, calling out, “Lulu! Lulu!”
Kyle laughed softly. Ever since Sophie was a child, she had hated when anyone touched her hair. She had so much of it that once it was disheveled, it looked like seaweed cascading over her shoulders. She used to say those were the “three thousand strands of worry”. She insisted that no matter how big a problem was, she had to sort out her hair first.
Meanwhile, Anthony had heard about Salvador’s decision to summon Ryan to the palace. He didn’t say much, but asked Sophie one thing-would Ryan be bullied in the palace?
Sophie told Anthony that Ryan would be safe under Victoria’s care, and Helen would also be there to look after him. So, he wouldn’t suffer there.
That was enough to put Anthony’s mind at ease, and he agreed.
He knew his opinion didn’t matter, anyway. Even if he disagreed, Salvador could issue an edict, and he would have no choice but to comply. Plus, if it came to that, Salvador might get annoyed and cause trouble for Ryan instead.
So, he ended up reassuring Sophie instead. “It’s not a bad thing. The queen dowager is wise and well- versed in worldly matters. Ryan could learn a lot from her.”
“As long as you don’t hold it against me, Lord Klein…” Sophie’s voice was tight with concern.
“How could I?” Anthony smiled gently, his eyes warm with understanding. “I know this decision was difficult for you, but you’ve made it for the greater good-and for Ryan. ?arissa, we’re family. Don’t feel the need to be so formal.”
Sophie had initially felt her heart cool when Salvador talked about them being family. When she heard Anthony say it, her feelings were completely different. She felt warm inside.
Yes, a real family was about mutual trust and support, not secretly doubting each other or trying to control the other to make them obedient.
Helen wasn’t thrilled about going to the palace to accompany Victoria. She had grown accustomed to the comfortable, free life at Hell Monarch Estate. The palace, with its strict rules and formalities, was hard for her to adjust to now.
But when she heard that Ryan would be going too, she agreed without hesitation. She immediately instructed Gillian to pack their things and start sending them to the palace.
Sophie went to fetch Ryan and his study partner, Evan. Ryan was a sensible boy-he asked no questions and simply said he would follow his aunt’s arrangements. However, Evan was a bit more curious. He tugged at Sophie’s sleeve and asked if he could go the palace with Ryan.
Ryan looked up at his aunt eagerly, and Sophie smiled as she gently ruffled their heads. “Alright, friends should study and play together.”
Both boys grinned, their faces lighting up with joy as they took each other’s hands and ran off to gather their things.
Sophie couldn’t bring herself to tell Rafael about Helen and Ryan moving into the palace-she feared it would upset him.
She received a letter from Rafael, which came along with the report of their victory in the second battle. Salvador had specifically summoned her to the palace to hand it over.
Sophie knew Rafael had intentionally sent the letter through Salvador’s hands, signaling that they hid no secrets. It was a gesture of transparency, even if it was a mere formality.
But it seemed to please Salvador, who didn’t put on the usual fake smile. Instead, he told her not to worry too much about the situation at the Southern Frontier. Victory was within their grasp.
After her audience with the king, Sophie went to Serenity Palace to offer her greetings to Victoria and check on Helen and Ryan.
However, she didn’t find Ryan or Evan there. They were in class; as they were Connor’s study partners, they had to follow him to the study.
Moreover, Connor’s tutor had changed. Trevor was now personally teaching him.
In the past, Salvador had suggested this, but Trevor had turned it down, citing health concerns. Now that Ryan was in the palace, Trevor immediately agreed, clearly doing it as a show of respect to the late Hector.
Although Salvador was a little displeased, he didn’t say anything since he still benefited from it.
Sophie didn’t find Helen, either. Victoria mentioned she had gone to see Dakota.
“Helen never got along with her, but now that she’s back at the palace, it’s like they’re close sisters. She’s truly heartless, even turning her back on her own sister,” Victoria said. She complained about Helen without holding back, though she couldn’t hide the smile at the corners of her mouth.
Sophie couldn’t help laugh along. “It’s not really a deep feud. They argue when they’re together, but they start to miss each other when they’re apart.”
Victoria rubbed her forehead, a weary look in her eyes. “Yes, that’s family for you. Sometimes you can’t stand each other, but other times you find yourself missing them.”
Sophie nodded quietly, then changed the subject. “Has Ryan been any trouble? If he’s not behaving, don’t hesitate to punish him.”
Victoria’s expression softened at the mention of Ryan. “How could he be trouble? I’ve never seen a child so well-behaved. He’s neither servile nor arrogant, just respectful. You’ve done a wonderful job raising him.”
Victoria could see the concern in Sophie’s eyes, so she smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. While he’s with me, Connor won’t dare to bully him. And in class, Mr. Young won’t allow it either.”
“I’m not worried at all since you’re here, Mother,” Sophie replied.
After their conversation, Sophie decided to go and visit Helen. She took some time to walk with Helen in the royal garden, and asked about Connor and Ryan.