Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Helen knew he was loyal to the kingdom, that it wasn’t really about fighting for the sake of it. But she also realized she didn’t share the same sense of duty or awareness that he did. In her view, if he didn’t go to war, others would. The kingdom wouldn’t fall apart just because he wasn’t there.
Rafael smiled gently, trying to reassure her. “Don’t worry, Mom. This battle, though hard-fought, has secured peace. From now on, I’ll stay in the capital. I won’t go anywhere.”
Helen didn’t believe there was such a thing as true peace. A prosperous nation was nothing more than a fat piece of meat-sooner or later, someone would want a bite.
She looked at Sophie, initially thinking of asking her to speak with him, but then remembered that Sophie was also a person of action-a woman of strength in her own right. It seemed the two of them shared the same spirit, after all.
“Never mind,” Helen said with a sigh. “You should head back and rest. You two have been apart for so long, so there must be much for you two to talk about.”
She paused, then added pointedly, “Sophie, don’t hide things from him. You should tell him about the queen trying to arrange a secondary wife for him.”
Rafael’s brow furrowed deeply. “Is this true?”
Helen’s voice was cold. “She says it’s for the good of the family, to ensure the royal line continues. It’s laughable, really. If she’s so concerned about heirs, she should worry about the king’s first. Since when is it her place to meddle in this household?”
Rafael’s eyes burned with anger. He had tolerated many things, but this wouldn’t be one of them. He had never wavered in his commitment to Sophie, and when he married Ker, he had told Salvador that he would never take a concubine.
Wasn’t this an affront to their marriage?
“We’ll discuss this when we’re alone,” Sophie said softly, her hand gently resting on his back. “It’s not the time for anger.”
Rafael took her hand and led her out. His expression was calm, but the storm in his chest was far from settled. Now wasn’t the time to lose his temper-but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t. How dare Kylie meddle in his life like this?
The thought sent a chill down his spine. He had been out there, risking his life to defend the kingdom, while trouble brewed in his own home. If a secondary wife was actually forced upon him, he had no doubt what would’ve awaited him upon his return-Sophie’s letter of divorce.
He had seen it happen before, so how could he not be afraid of it happening to him?
Back in their room, Sophie recounted everything that had happened after Rafael left for the Southern Frontier-every little detail she could remember, large and small. To Rafael, there were two important matters.
The first was Salvador’s worsening lung condition.
The second was the strange visit from Salvador late one night, coupled with Kylie’s attempt to introduce a secondary wife into Rafael’s life. Anyone with a clear head would likely understand the motive behind both of these events.
Sophie carefully wiped his body with warm water, as per Sebastian’s advice to avoid bathing.
“His Majesty’s late-night visit and the queen’s arranging for a secondary wife are not the same thing. His Majesty does not know about the queen’s actions.”
Rafael’s face darkened. His lean features became even sharper in his displeasure. “But they’ve both overstepped their bounds.”
Rafael took Sophie’s hand in his, his expression serious.
“I never wanted a secondary wife or concubine. I have no intentions toward anyone but you. You must always trust me.”
Sophie gazed up at him, her eyes soft and trusting. “Of course I believe you. Otherwise, why would I have rejected it so firmly?”
He pulled her gently into his embrace, both finding comfort in the trust they shared. It was their anchor, and in that moment, they were certain their bond would weather any storm.
“Has Sebastian examined His Majesty?” Rafael asked.
Sophie shook her head softly in his arms. “No. His Majesty hasn’t mentioned it, and no one has dared to suggest it. Even the queen dowager hasn’t brought it up.’
Rafael sighed lightly. “He looks like he’s aged ten years in the span of a few months. When I first saw him, I was truly startled.
Sophie, who occasionally saw Salvador, didn’t think he appeared a decade older at once. However, she did notice his significant weariness and his eyes were clouded and dull.
“The department heads and Lord Wright didn’t recommend Sebastian, because when His Majesty left the palace and came to the estate, he claimed it was a private visit for a diagnosis,” she said. “So naturally, the department heads wouldn’t bring him up again. But I do find it strange that Mr. Murray didn’t recommend him either.”
Jeremiah was well aware of the entire situation.
Rafael’s brow furrowed as something came to mind.
“When my dad, the previous king, was gravely ill, Mr. Murray recommended a well-known physician from the common folk to treat him. But after his condition worsened, he grew enraged and had the physician executed. I suppose that’s why Mr. Murray doesn’t dare recommend Sebastian now.”
Sophie’s eyes widened in shock. “That really happened?”
“Yes,” Rafael replied, his tone somber. “I heard that the physician was actually a friend of Sebastian’s.” He paused, his thoughts weighing heavily on him.
“Mother likely knows of their connection, which is why she hasn’t ordered Sebastian to treat His Majesty. She’s concerned about past grievances and whether Sebastian would truly be impartial in his care. Sophie nodded, understanding. She knew Sebastian’s nature well. If he wanted to save someone, whether they were a commoner or a noble, he would do everything in his power to help them. But if he didn’t wish to, no title or status could sway him-he would refuse them without hesitation.
But over the years, he had rarely turned anyone away. When he did, it was usually for those whose moral character was in question.
“The royal physicians originally said His Majesty had only a year to live. Yet, three or four months have passed, and the crown prince’s position remains undecided,” Sophie remarked, a touch of concern in her voice.
She believed the delay in establishing the crown prince was a sign of Connor’s failure to meet Salvador’s expectations. Given how urgent the situation was, if Salvador had any real confidence in him, the decision would have already been made.
“Have you heard anything from Ryan about Prince Connor’s situation?” Rafael asked.”When I brought him back a few days ago, I asked. Ryan said that Prince Connor used to be more diligent, but now he finds the political strategies Mr. Young teaches boring and tiresome. He’s been nodding off in class, and Mr. Young has had to punish him several times. Even the assignments Mr. Young gives him, he has Ryan do for him.”
Rafael frowned deeply. “Such laziness… How could he possibly be fit for the throne?”
“By the way,” Sophie continued, “Prince Caden also went to the study room a few days ago, but he and Prince Connor had different hours for lessons. Ryan mentioned that Prince Caden is diligent, respectful, and polite. Every day, he brings snacks and coffee for Mr. Young.’
Rafael fell silent for a long while, a look of concern settling on his face. Sophie lifted her gaze to him. “Do you think there’s a problem?”
Rafael said slowly, “You can’t really say His Majesty is wrong in handling things this way. He has to choose the right person in a short amount of time-this is the only way. But with his eldest son still in the picture, elevating the second prince is already a rejection of the first. Naturally, that means more people will start rallying behind Prince Caden.”
He cleared his throat, still hoarse from his illness.
“In any era, there are often factions in opposition. Despite her high position, Queen Kylie has been confined to her quarters time and again. The management of the harem has fallen into the hands of Lady Grace and Lady Sylvia, and the Quinton family has been suppressed.
“If His Majesty elevates Prince
Caden, Queen Kylie and Prince Connor will be weakened. The only thing keeping the old ministers loyal to them is their status as royalty but that alone isn’t enough to create a real balance of power. In the end, if those ministers continue to resist, Prince Connor may very well become a target for assassination.”
Sophie followed his reasoning. “But there’s a premise to what you’re saying-if Lady Grace and Lady Sylvia know about His Majesty’s condition. Though… I suppose it won’t be easy to keep it hidden much longer.”
The celebration feast scheduled for the following day was canceled. A messenger from the palace arrived, saying Salvador had caught a chill and was suffering from a severe cough.
Though the feast was called off, the royal edict to reward the soldiers was quickly issued.
Timothy was appointed commander of the Southern Frontier Army and promoted to the rank of second- rank general. Louis and other officers were elevated to third-rank and deputy third-rank military positions, remaining stationed at the Southern Frontier. Funds were allocated to establish residences in the region, allowing them to bring their families along.
The families of fallen soldiers were to receive compensation, while the wounded would each be given ten silver coins.