Chapter 20
Arabella couldn’t help but feel a bit curious. She was simply curious to see what the king–who was so highly praised by the noblewomen of Althoria–actually looked like,
What woman wouldn’t want to see a handsome man? She wasn’t any different. If Charles hadn’t been so good–looking, she might not have married him in the first place,
Seeing Arabella stay silent, Daphine pressed on. “Come on, don’t act like you’re not interested. I can guarantee you’ve never seen a man more handsome than the king. If you go, it’ll definitely be worth your time”
Arabella smiled. She’d already seen the most handsome man. Lord Swan, with his extraordinary looks, left her thinking no one could surpass him—not even the new king.
But she thought, “Even if the king is more handsome, so what? Am I supposed to go to the palace as a married woman a king?
serve the
Even if he were interested, I couldn’t risk provoking the wrath of the court. The Empress Dowager would probably tear me apart first. “I’m Mrs. Farrow. If Princess Dowager sends an invitation, of course, I’ll go. But as for seeing a handsome young man, are you sure the king will even attend the Princess’s banquet?”
She thought. “Well Even if I can’t enter the palace, I am still curious to see the so–called handsome man.
Daphne laughed and playfully tapped her forehead. “You still have a thing for handsome men, huh?
“Don’t worry, this year marks Princess Celia’s fortieth birthday, and as lier nephew, the king will definitely make an appearance. Just go, I promise you’ll have a good time.
Arabella scratched her head, feeling a little embarrassed. She really was curious to see the king–everyone praised him so highly, yet she had never seen him herself. She thought, Tow regrettable!!
“Just between us, though, don’t let anyone else know, especially not your husband, Noel,”
Daphne burst out laughing.
At that moment. Rosalie’s voice came from outside. “My lady, Kaitlin is here to pay her respects.
Kaitlin, the one who had spent the night with Charles. Arabella’s smile faded as she composed herself.
Daphne poked her arm and whispered, “So, you’ve put those four beauties the king gifted in Silver Suite just to draw Charles’s.
Arabella blinked and nodded. “He’s always been fixated on consummating our mariage. Once that’s done, he’ll have the upper hand. With those four gentle and capable concubines around, it saves me a lot of trouble.”
Daphne tapped her forehead twice. “You’re such a clever one.”
With that, she slid off the couch. “You go ahead and see her. I’ll step into the inner room to avoid her.”
Arabella smiled and nodded.
After watching Daphine leave for the inner room, Arabella finally spoke, “Please, have Kaitlin come in
A moment later, a graceful beauty entered, moving like a delicate flower. She wore a pale purple gown that highlighted her shapely figure. She was an exceptionally beautiful woman
Charles really was fortunate–he’d even been gifted one of the palace’s beauties, chosen for the king.
Although they had been rejected by the late king, these womens came from good families, hail sweet looks, and were incredibly rare beauties. Very few people could be so fortunate.
There were hundreds of generals who had earned great ment for the country, yet none had been rewarded with such beautiful women. Arabella wondered. Why is Charles treated differently? Is the king particularly found of him and planning to cultivate him?”
As Arabella observed Kaitlin, Kaitlin also studied her, the one who had so captivated the king’s attention
She still remembered the day the king had summoned them to Royal Palace, offering them his guidance.
“You only need to do one thing when you go to the Duke’s estate: find a way to keep Charles from entering Mrs. Farrow’s room,” the king had said at that time
When the king meddled in his subjects household affairs, what did it mean? It meant that the beauty in the household had caught his eve, and he intended to take her for himself
I come to pay my respects to Mrs. Farrow Her usual clear voice now carried a hoarse, muted tone.
Arabella smiled. “No need for such formalities. We’re all family members now, so just relax.
She then took a box of jewelry from Clarissa and handed it to her. There aren’t many rules here in Silver Suite. Just be respectful and do your part. As for Mr. Farrow, if you serve him well. Ill be happy to see it.
The implication was clear: “Feel free to compete for his attention. Don’t worry about how I feel”
As sharp as she was. Kaitlin immediately understood what Arabella meant.
She quickly bowed, replying. “Rest assured. Mrs. Farrow. We’ll take good care of Mr. Farrow.”
Arabella nodded. Seeing the weariness in her eyes, she gave a few more instructions before sending her off
Once Kaitlin left, Daphne emerged from the inner room, her brow furrowed as she stared thoughtfully at the door.
Arabella followed her gaze and asked, “Is something wrong?”
Daphne shook her head. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but she seems to have an agenda. There’s something off about her,”
Arabella smiled and led her to a seat, unconcerned. These women were gifts from the king, so who knows what their master really wants. If they’ve been sent to monitor the Duke’s estate. Ill actually be pleased.
“It means the Farrow family has caught the king’s suspicion, and their downfall is imminent.
Daphne agreed wholeheartedly. “If the king gets involved, it won’t be just a matter of losing a title. The entire Duke’s estate would be ruined.”
After lunch, Arabella saw Daphne off at the gate. “Be careful on your way, and tell the coachman to go slowly
Daphine, unable to stand her constant reminders, waved them off casually and added, “Make sure you come to the birthday banquet in a few days, I’ll be waiting for you at the mansion.”
Arabella chuckled. “Don’t worry. As long as I’m Mrs. Farrow, I won’t miss any of the banquets.”
“Then it’s settled.”
After watching Dapline leave in the carriage, Arabella slowly wiped the smile off her face.
“Clarissa, get ready. We’re going to the Marquis’s estate. I’ve been thinking about Olivia’s reminder. It’s been over two years since my father passed, and it’s time for the title to be passed on.”
She planned to return and use her potential divorce as a way to gauge the attitudes of the second and third branches of the family. Whichever branch supported her divorce, she would support them for the succession.
If both branches urged her to endure and continue with Charles, then so be it-the title would be cut off.
Before Alexander passed, he had asked the late king for permission to let her choose the next heir to Marquis’s estate, hoping to leave her some support
If the second and third branches couldn’t be trusted, she wondered, ‘Why should I bother giving them a title! It would only bring me
trouble.
Not long after the carriage left the Duke’s estate, the curtain was lifted, and a tall figure stepped inside
Daphne, who was sipping coffee, jumped in surprise and immediately began coughing from the shock. “James, you scared me to death??
James rubbed his nose and gently patted her back to help her breathe, then asked, “How is Mrs. Farrow? Is her mood i
| any better?”
Daphine grew wary at his concern for Arabella,
“You’re being so attentive. Are you interested in her?” She hesitated before adding, “Well ”
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