Chapter 9
Arabella’s expression faltered for a moment. That voice–It sounded strangely familiar, like she’d heard it somewhere before.
Curious, the subtly lifted her gaze, glancing at the carriage ahead through the corner of her eye. The curtains were fully drawn, hiding everything inside. There was no way to see anything.
Although she was the daughter of the Marquis’s estate and had visited Olivia several times, she had never met the Crown Prince at that
After her marriage, alur to Charlie’s military duties at the borders and her strained relationship with Beatrice, she hadn’t attended any palace banquets for three years. Her knowledge of the new king was limited to hearsay
It was said that he was a diligent ruler who loved his people, and that he was exceptionally handsome, capturing the hearts of countless. noble young women, all eagerly waiting to be his wife one day..
A ruler with both power and good looks–many women would gladly settle for even the lowest position in the court..
Arabella had never met the king and couldn’t judge him. Of course, whether he was handsome or not wasn’t really her concern.
As a married woman–though she had never consummated her marriage and remained untouched–there was no reason for her to become involved with the king.
“Hey, Arabella, my brother’s asking you a question. What are you daydreaming about?”
Beatrices deliberately lowered voice snapped Arabella out of her thoughts.
She quickly refocused, bowing her head as she replied, “As long as I remain in the Duke’s estate, I will never allow a concubine to be put on equal footing with me. That would be humiliation.”
Her voice rang out clearly, her words echoing down the quiet palace path, lingering in the air.
Inside the carriage, Tristan raised an eyebrow, a shadow of displeasure crossing his face.
From her tone, it seemed she was prepared for a long struggle with the concubine. He thought, ‘Has she never considered divorce? Is a man as weak, hypocritical, and incompetent as Charles really worth this much effort?”
“And what if the Farrow family insists on elevating her to the status of a wife! What will you do then?”
Arabella blanked, a flicker of confusion passing through her. “Why is the king so interested in my personal affairs? If he has already made up his mind, he can issuejan edict–why bother asking my opinion? It doesn’t make sense.
“Then it depends on how His Majesty chooses to handle it, she answered caknly. “If you decide to support them, I’ll have no choice but to swallow the shame of being demoted to a concubine and remain silent.
“But if you treat everyone equally, then I will fight back and show them that I am not so easily trampled upon
As soon as she finished speaking, Beatrice couldn’t help but clap her hands in approval. “Well said! That’s the spirit a military family’s daughter should have!”
With that, she turned toward the carriage again and called out, “Your Majesty, this is a matter of the Duke’s estate, so it’s best if you stay
out of it.
“If the concubine has the ability and the means, she can take Arabella’s place. If she doesn’t, she should stay in her position as a concubine and not try to claim what doesn’t belong to her
Arabella glanced at Beatrice, gratitude in her eyes.
A royal upbringing truly made a difference. She was clear–headed and knew when to step back, even if there was past animosity.
Unlike those outside, who demanded that she give up her position to a concubine, those were the true predators–like wolves, tigers, and all sorts of monsters.
Inside the carriage, Tristan set the file he had been reading aside and lifted his gaze, looking through the gap in the curtains.
The young woman stood tall beside the flower bed in a pale pink gown. Her features were delicate, and her eyes held a resilient light. It reminded him of the determined woman from four years ago–the one who had vowed to protect him with all her strength.
Without her, he might have already perished at the hands of the dark guards sent by Tameka and the Second Prince, his body left unrecognizable.
In a way, she had saved his life. He owed her that much. But he couldn’t push her too hard–he had to proceed carefully.
“This matter has been entrusted to the Empress Dowager, Tristan said. “Arabella, you may go to Mercy Palace to pay your respects”
Arabella felt the tension in her chest finally ease.
She had been right! The king had no intention of interfering in the affairs of his subjects. That gave her the confidence she needed.
As for the Empress Dowager… the late king’s favoritism toward his concubines had always been a thorn in her side.
Helena’s actions had already brought back painful memories of the humiliation the Empress Dowager had endured. She couldn’t believe she’d tolerate it.
epting that the late king’s treatment of his wife was
If the Empress Dowager issued a decree elevating Helena’s status, it would mean accepting justified–and she would forever be beneath Tameka.
Yes, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave”
Just as Arabella was about to leave, Beatrice quickly spoke up. Til accompany you to Mercy Palace.”
Before Arabella could respond, Tristan’s voice came from the carriage, light and detached. In a few days, it will be Olivia’s birthday. Arabella, please make a trip to Princess Celia’s estate and deliver some birthday gifts on my behalf.
At Mercy Palace, the Empress Dowager stood by the window, trimming the branches and leaves of a begonia.
Behind her, a young palace maid in light green attire was reporting on the happenings in the Imperial Garden.
Lydia, the head palace maid, approached with a tray, offering coffee to the Empress Dowager. “Your Majesty, you’ve been standing for quite some time. Please take a rest. Your health is more important.
The Empress Dowager set the scissors down and took a sip of the coffee, her expression cold. “A chance encounter? If I remember correctly, at this time, the king is usually in the Royal Palace, reviewing files. What leisure does he have to stroll in the Imperial Garden?”
Lydia smiled softly, gesturing for the maid to leave before helping the Empress Dowager to a soft couch.
“Recently, the soldiers from the northern borders have returned to court, and His Majesty has been busy with various matters. Perhaps he was just tired and wanted some fresh air, which is how he happened to run into Arabella.”
The Empress Dowager tilted her head and glanced at her sideways. “Do you really believe that excuse?”
Lydia couldn’t help but chuckle. She and the others had a pretty good sense of the king’s feelings toward Arabella. Saying it was just a “chance encounter” did seem a bit far–fetched.
“Your Majesty, are you really planning to elevate Helena’s status? Are you considering making her the wife?”
Lydia had been with the Empress Dowager for more than twenty years and knew the Empress Dowager’s struggles well.
For many years, when Tameka had held power and Olivia had been favored, the Empress Dowager, as the matriarch of court affairs, had been overshadowed by the two. She had endured a long period of humiliation.
Now, with power in her hands, she couldn’t touch Olivia, and that frustration might finally be unleashed on Olivia’s niece, Arabella
The Empress Dowager leaned back on the soft couch, idly spinning a string of jewels between her fingers, not immediately answering Lydia’s question.
At that moment, a palace maid’s voice came from outside. “Your Majesty,Mrs. Farrow has arrived.”
The Empress Dowager’s hand paused for a moment, then she spoke softly. “Let her in.”
A moment later, Arabella entered with graceful, measured steps. She bowed deeply, saying, “Your Majesty.”
The Empress Dowager did not immediately bid her rise but signaled for her to lift her head.
Chapter 9
Arabella obeyed, and when their gazes met, her expression remained composed, showing no sign of fear or hesitation.
The Empress Dowager appraised her for a moment and then spoke in a soft, deliberate tone, “As expected of the daughter of the
Olivia” Marquis’s estate–calm and composed. You remind me of the young
Arabella bowed once more, replying. “Your Majesty, you are the model of all women, and I am unworthy to shine in the same light as
you
The Empress Dowager curled her lips into a wry smile and suddenly raised her voice, challenging her. “Has the Duke’s estate never taught you that a proper wife must not be a troublemaker?”
AD
