Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Finally, Kylie lowered herself fully to the floor. “It was my foolishness and shortsightedness, Mother. Please guide Connor and plan for his future. I won’t interfere again, nor will I indulge him as I have.” Victoria looked at her, unimpressed. She had seen this cycle from Kylie too many times-momentary clarity followed by the same old habits. Kylie would only change when the consequences of her actions became too dire to ignore.
“Go back,” Victoria said coldly. “And hear me clearly-without my express permission, you are not to disturb Connor’s studies again.”
Kylie looked up at Connor, whose eyes were filled with tears. Though her heart ached, she had to hold back her feelings. If Victoria sent Caden to Trevor, it would be like telling everyone that Caden was also a candidate for the throne, and people would naturally start picking sides.
The events in the study and at Serenity Palace were quickly reported to Salvador, leaving him restless and irritable. Coupled with days of intense planning, the strain weighed heavily on him, and the relentless headaches only worsened.
Lifting Kylie’s house arrest had been part of Salvador’s preparations for Connor. If Connor was to be Crown Prince, his mom couldn’t remain under the shadow of punishment.
Salvador had hoped Kylie’s time in confinement would lead her to reflect and understand the dangers of indulgence that spoiling a son was no different from harming him. Yet, Kylie had emerged with an even stronger determination to keep Connor close, convinced that his presence was the key to securing her own position.
Salvador pushed his dinner away, his appetite nonexistent. He forced down a few bites to keep his stomach from aching and sipped the bitter medicine prescribed.
He had no choice but to drink it. Every day he managed to hold on felt like a small victory.
But the looming specter of death shadowed his thoughts more heavily than ever. As he pulled away from his plans and schemes, fear began to set in.
He knew everyone had to face it eventually, but he had always thought death was far off. He never realized it could come so suddenly and without warning.
What Salvador wanted more than anything at that moment was someone to talk to-not about heavy matters of state or the endless calculations for the future, but something simple. He longed for a conversation about trivialities, something that could ease the suffocating weight in his chest.
Yet, as he searched his mind for someone to confide in, only one name surfaced-Sophie.
–
Sophie had been recovering at Hell Monarch Estate and hadn’t come to the royal study for several days. Calling for Robert, Salvador endured another round of needle treatment to dull the pounding in his head. It brought some relief, but the dizziness and anxiety that followed was worse. It made the dark sky outside look like a giant whirlpool, almost pulling him under.
At that moment, an absurd and undeniable idea gripped him-one so urgent that he couldn’t resist it.
At Hell Monarch Estate, the stillness of the evening was shattered by Luke’s hurried steps. His round face glistened with sweat as he rushed through the courtyard, his urgency written in every movement. “What’s going on?” Jacob asked, stepping out of the study, alarm evident in his voice.
Luke climbed the steps quickly, lowering his voice as he spoke. “His Majesty has arrived. He says he wishes to see Lady Sophie.”
Jacob froze. “This is absurd!”
Leaving the palace late at night to visit a minister’s residence was shocking enough, but doing so when Rafael wasn’t even home? Only Sophie was at the estate, and she was still recovering from her injuries. Did Salvador not understand that a woman in recovery should remain in her quarters? What was Salvador expecting-Sophie to emerge, wounds and all, to greet him? Or worse, was he planning to visit her chambers directly?
“We’ve already welcomed him inside.” Luke sighed heavily.
“How many people did he bring?” Jacob asked.
“Mr. Walker, Deputy Commander Ziegler, and Deputy Commander Kimber,” Luke replied, his brow furrowed deeply. “And he came in a carriage.”
Jacob began pacing, his anxiety spilling over. He’s lost his mind. Absolutely lost it! The rebel’s uprising may have been quashed, but who’s to say there aren’t remnants of Prince s facet lingering in the capital? If someone with ill intent is watching and sees this, wouldn’t everything fall apart?”
“Tell me about it! This is truly frightening,” Luke said, looking at Jacob. “Do you have any ideas? Think quickly. Should we have Lady Sophie go out to meet him?”
Jacob groaned and rubbed his temples, his frown even deeper than
Luke’s. “Have someone carry Lady Sophie, Out. When the king visits no minister can refuse to greet him. If we don’t follow protocol, who knows what rumors might spread or what chaos might ensue?”
And so, Sophie was lifted from her quarters and carried outside. Whether it was the chilly night air or the sheer shock of the situation, she felt completely dazed.
By the time she was brought into the main hall, where Salvador sat at the head of the room, her disbelief had only grown.
Violet and Cynthia had accompanied her, whispering to each other in hushed tones the entire way. Now, they helped her stand up to greet Salvador.
“No need for formalities,” Salvador said gently, his voice calm but tinged with hoarseness. “You can remain seated.
Sophie thanked him and returned to her chair, though her gaze instinctively flicked to Derek, who stood by Salvador’s side. His hair was messy from the wind, and his face alternated between pale and ashen. He gave no indication of what was going on.
Jacob and Kyle had already taken their seats nearby, both with complex expressions in their eyes.
Even though Salvador had traveled in a modest disguise, there was no mistaking the royal carriage that bore him from the palace. It had passed through the palace gates, crossed the Royal Street, and carried the unmistakable mark of royalty.
Who could have failed to notice?
SV
Salvador seemed much more clear-headed now, no longer as muddled as he had been in the palace. He smiled. “There’s no need for formality. Please relax. I only came here to the estate to see Mr. Spencer and have a chat. I was feeling a bit restless.”
Sophie replied, “In that case, I won’t keep you from your conversation with Kyle. We shall take our leave.” “Don’t rush off,” Salvador said, his gaze turning toward her with genuine concern. “Since you’re here, stay and talk for a while. How is your injury? Are you feeling better?”
Sophie lowered her hand again, which she had just propped up, and answered, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It’s getting better, but the physician insisted I rest in bed for a few more days.” “I see.” Salvador nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Injuries to the muscles and bones need proper care.”
He said this, but he didn’t allow Sophie to leave. Everyone in the room stayed, either sitting or standing, and kept them company.
After a moment of silence, Salvador spoke first. “Is there any supper? I’m feeling hungry.”
Hearing this, Derek quickly said, “His Majesty didn’t have dinner. I’ll make arrangements right away.” Everyone immediately became more lively, asking Salvador what he wanted to eat. However, Salvador simply asked what was available.
“Your Majesty, you may have whatever you wish. If we don’t have it here, we can have someone bring it from the Glimmering Tower,” Kyle answered.
Salvador thought for a moment before replying, “No need to go to all that trouble. Just make me a bowl of noodles.”
Lily herself took to the kitchen, preparing a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup with shredded meat, fresh parsley, leeks, and a poached egg. The fragrant bowl of noodles was soon placed before Salvador. Salvador had only intended to break the silence, not really hungry at first. But as the smell of the fresh parsley and leeks reached him, his appetite stirred. He finished the whole bowl, drinking most of the broth too. Then, he leaned back, clearly satisfied.
“These noodles are quite good. A reward is in order.”
Lily was overjoyed and eagerly accepted her reward. After all, when the king bestowed a gift, how could a servant not be delighted?
Salvador was generous as always and handed her a silver ingot. Lily thanked him profusely before leaving in high spirits.
Afterward, Salvador made another request. “I’d like to see Mr. Spencer paint.”
Jacob knew it wouldn’t be appropriate to invite Salvador to the study. There were things in there that would be better left unseen net
Instead, he had a writing desk set up with the usual tools-brushes, ink, and paints.
Kyle stood beside the desk, rolling up his sleeves. “What would you like painted, Your Majesty?” Salvador sat upright and replied, “Myself.”
Kyle paused for a moment, taken aback. “You wish for a portrait? Why not wait for a sunny day and ask one of the royal artists to do it?”