Chapter 11
Arabella listened, then let out a cold, mocking smile.
Her gaze shifted to Helena, who was sitting next to the soft couch. As she saw the smug look on her face, the sarcasm at the corners of Arabella’s lips deepened.
She didn’t immediately bring up the Empress Dowager’s decree. Instead, she sighed lightly and said, “A poor orphan without a father is truly pitiful. She’s bullied but can’t fight back, forced to endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens just to scrape by
Her words were double–edged, seemingly about herself, but in truth, they were aimed at Helena.
However, Seraphina and Helena, having already made up their minds, believed the Empress Dowager would undoubtedly support them. They didn’t catch the hidden meaning behind her words.
Seraphina’s triumphant expression couldn’t be concealed. She looked at Arabella as if she were a dog to be commanded at will.
were more gracious, “If I had known things would turn out like this, I would have acted differently back then. If only you were more
the Empress Dowager wouldn’t have had to step in. Now, you’ll have to face the consequences.
From now on, show respect to Helena, and maybe your life will be easier. But if you keep acting like the daughter of the Marquis’s estate or Mrs. Farrow, don’t blame me for using family rules to deal with you.”
Arabella twisted her embroidered handkerchief, putting on an expression of someone who had been terribly mistreated but was powerless to do anything about it. Seraphina found this particularly satisfying.
Over the years, she had humiliated herself repeatedly, trying to coax Arabella into giving up a wedding gift to help with family finances. Now, finally, she could vent her frustration. How could she not be pleased?
Beside them, Helena played with the baby in her arms and smiled. “Arabella, you’re so wronged living beneath me. Don’t worry, I’ll never treat you harshly,”
Arabella said nothing. What’s the ultimate form of humiliation? It’s lifting someone up only to mercilessly drag them down. Let them enjoy their moment of triumph, let them indulge in their vanity, before pulling the rug out from under them.
Clarissa, standing behind her, guessed her thoughts and, holding back a smile, stepped forward. “My lady, the Empress Dowager has ordered you to return to the palace and copy Bible.
“We should hurry to Silver Suite. If we delay and miss the time set by Her Majesty, you might face even harsher punishment.”
Seraphina, hearing this, was more certain than ever that the Empress Dowager had dealt with Arabella.
She thought, Copying Bible. How many people in Althoria have the Empress Dowager ever punished like this? What does it mean?‘
It meant the Empress Dowager disapproved of her upbringing and had personally dealt with her, delivering a sharp slap to her face, ensuring she’d never show her face in public again. With that, Seraphina no longer needed to hold back
“See, this is the price of your jealousy. Now you’ve embarrassed the entire Duke’s estate. Since the Empress Dowager has demoted you to a concubine, you’re no longer fit to live in Silver Suite.”
At this point, she turned to Helena, softening her tone. “Silver Suite is the residence of Mrs. Farrow. You’ll move in there with Maxwell. As for Arabella, just find a side room nearby for her. From now on, she’s under your care.”
Helena raised a hand to smooth her hair, her voice affected as she said, “Isn’t this a bit too much? Arabella’s been living there for three years and is used to it. If she’s moved to a side room like this, wouldn’t it be too unfair to her?”
e main courtyard
Seraphina’s expression hardened as she scolded, “What do you mean? As the wife, you deserve to live in the
Helena hesitated, still fidgeting.
Arabella glanced at her for a moment, then lost interest. Two clueless people joining forces to play their little game really look like a pair of circus clowns hopping around.
No wonder the Duke of Eldenhurst preferred to spend his time out indulging in pleasures rather than returning to the inner chambers. With such a foolish wife, it was hard to blame him.
Just as Arabella was about to shatter their little fantasy, the butler’s urgent voice suddenly rang out from outside. “Someone from the
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palace has arrived! This time it’s Lond Carver. He says His Majesty has a decree and wants to see you and Helena”
Seraphina froze for a moment, then sprang up from the soft couch in an instant. She quickly grabbed Helena’s arm and, beaming with delight, said, “It must be His Majesty remembering your father’s heroic deeds and issuing a decree to bestow the title of Mrs. Farrow
URUT YOU.
“Come, let’s go together and receive the decree. From now on, you’ll be the respected Mrs. Farrow.”
Helena’s heart, which had been heavy with anxiety, finally eased. She had known that, with her father’s accomplishments, the royal family would offer her a prestigious position
“Yes, I will obey, Mother
After watching the affectionate two leave, Arabella couldn’t help but curl her lips into a mocking smile.
She thought, ‘It would be even better if Lord Carver shattered their little fantasy. Let them be humiliated in front of everyone–now that would really make Seraphina’s life difficult.
Clarissa, glancing at Arabella with some concern. hesitantly asked, “Aren’t you worried the Empress Dowager might change her mind and have His Majesty promote Helena?”
Arabella reached out and gently tapped Clarissa’s nose, smiling. “Our king isn’t that foolish. Let’s go, it’s time to return to Silver Suite and copy Bible.”
Clarissa glanced toward the front hall. “Aren’t you going to watch the spectacle?”
Arabella turned and walked out of Chamber of Roses, heading straight for Silver Suite. Td rather not go and embarrass myself”
In the front hali, Seraphina greeted Thomas Carver with great enthusiasm. “Ah, what brings you here, Lord Carver? Has His Majesty issued a decree to make Helena the heir’s wife?”
Thomas furrowed his brows, his gaze landing on Helena with a look of confusion. Isn’t the Empress Dowager already clear about making Helena a concubine to Mr. Farrow? What kind of delusion are they living in!‘
Without wasting time, he went straight to the point and read the imperial edict. “His Majesty has issued a decree, honoring Marshals sacrifice in the Battle of Ravenholt.
“He is posthumously granted the title of Duke of Loyalty and Righteousness, with the title to be passed down through his heirs. In addition to the expected promotions, His Majesty has also graciously granted four beautiful women to Mr. Farrow as concubines.”
The moment the decree was read, both Seraphina and Helena were stunned. Thomas hasn’t come to elevate Helena: he has come to deliver rewards?”
Helena clenched her fists, a terrible sense of foreboding rushing over her.
The title of Duke of Loyalty and Righteousness might seem like a great honor, but it wasn’t for her–it was a reward for her brother.
But what she wanted wasn’t family honor, she wanted the position of Mrs. Farrow to secure her standing in the Duke’s estate.
She thought, “Why has His Majesty said nothing about me? Is there some kind of change? And what does it mean that four beautiful women are being given to Charles as concubines?
“Is that a sign he is taking away his favor from me? Is the king rewarding me–or is he humiliating me?”
Thomas, uninterested in her inner turmoil, saw the two women still stunned into silence. He couldn’t help but remind them, “Mrs. Farrow, Mr. Farrow isn’t in the manor, so you should accept the four women on his behalf.”
He clapped his hands in the air. Moments later, a young official led in four tall, beautiful women
Seraphina’s eyes widened in shock, and she stood frozen in place, too stunned to react, as she accepted the decree in a daze.
Thomas then turned to look at the shaken Helena, his voice calm as he spoke, “Helena, please accept the decree on behalf of your father and your brother, who will inherit the title.”
Helena forced herself to stay calm and gave him a strained smile, her voice quiet as she asked, “May I ask, has His Majesty issued a decree regarding my position? Has he decided to make me his wife?”
