Chapter 24
Arabella paused mid–motion as she was about to take another sip from her bowl.
Clarissasi
is concerns weren’t unfounded. Before her marriage, Arabella had been the daughter of the Marquis’s estate, and Alexander commanded half of the empire’s military
At that time, Carmella hadn’t even been heiress of the Fitzpatrick’s estate. While both of them were called the two great beauties of Althoria. Arabella had been the one more in the spotlight.
Now, with Carmella’s father Leonel Dixon rising to the rank of prime minister, her status had risen as well. On top of that, she was the Empress Dowager’s favored candidate for Empress–though the king had yet to make the formal decree, it was almost certain
If Arabella tried to approach her now, she could already imagine the inockery and scorn t that would followw
Til send a message to Daphne and tell her Um ill, so I won’t attend the banquet tomorrow,
Rosalie chimed in teasingly. “Aren’t you going to see the handsome king?”
Arabella gave a faint smile. “He’s about to choose a consort, and it’s someone I’m not exactly on good terms with. Why would I go see him?“
At that moment, the voice of the housekeeper could be heard outside, announcing, “Mrs. Farrow, Mr. Farrow is heading this way toward the back courtyard.”
Arabella frowned. Why has Charles been coming to my courtyard so often lately? Is he really that impatient?
She instinctively turned to look at Clarissa.
Clarissa lowered her voice and reassured her. “Don’t worry, the other concubines will distract him and lead him to a side courtyard,” Arabella didn’t say anything else, picking up her brush to resume copying Bible.
But just as she wrote a few words, a commotion sounded outside. Clarissa walked in with a cold expression.
“My lady, the concubines couldn’t pull him: away, Charles is determined to come here. What should we do?”
Arabella remained calm. “What’s there to worry about? He’s come to my courtyard, but he can’t force his way in.
After a brief pause, she added, “Go send for a female doctor and tell her I have a terrible stomach ache. Ask her to come and check on
- me.
Clarissa nodded and quickly slipped out through the side door.
Soon, Charles stormed in, his face dark with anger. His eyes scanned the room before finally landing on the bed.
Arabella was lying there, bundled in blankets, her face pale, and sweat beading on her forehead. The sight of her delicate, fragile appearance instantly cooled the anger in his chest.
He had originally come to confront her, intending to ask why she hadn’t dealt with the concubines in the courtyard, letting them use every trick to seduce him. But now, as he saw her like this, all his words stuck in his throat
“What’s wrong? Are you sick?”
Arabella propped herself up slightly, speaking weakly, I’ve started my period, and the cramps are unbearable. What brings you to my
Charles, irritated by her cold demeanor, felt his frustration rise. “We’re married, aren’t we? Can’t I come visit you just because I want to? Why does there always have to be a reason?”
Arubella had long grown accustomed to his shamelessness, so she let his words pass right by her.
“Tru afraid intimacy isn’t possible right now. My period just started. But if you need something, I can try to help”
She glanced out the window. Where is the doctor? She wanted to be done with this conversation as soon as possible.
But Charles didn’t notice the disgust in her eyes. Instead, he continued. “It’s good that you’re finally coming around. Once I’ve sorted
things out in the court and secured my title, you’ll have all the glory.
“In a few days, we’ll consummate our marriage properly and have a son by next year. I’ll make sure no one in the household dares to go over your head again”
Arabella swallowed hard, fighting the urge to gag 1s he really this disgusting!
The sound of footsteps grew louder as the female doctor hurried in, carrying her medical kit. Upon seeing Charles, she bowed respectfully to him before stepping forward to take Arabella’s pulse.
“You’re under a lot of stress, which has caused your menstrual pain. Il prepare some medicine for you to take before bed. You should feel better by tomorrow, the doctor said.
Arabella nodded weakly. Thank you for your trouble.
She then turned her gaze toward Charles, forcing herself to suppress the nausea rising in her throat “Mr. Farrow, I’m really not feeling well tonight. I won’t be able to attend to you. Perhaps you could visit Kaitlin or go to Velvet Hall instead.
Charles, aware that women were often unappealing during their periods, and recognizing that he was in the prime of his fortune, didn’t want to do anything that might disrupt it.
Fine, I’ll come back in a few days,” he said, turning and leaving the room.
Arabella sank back onto the bed, pressing her hand to her chest as she spoke to Clarissa, “Go fetch me some medicine. I feel like I’m going to throw up.”
Clarissa laughed. “That’s pretty disgusting. I’ll get it for you right away.”
The next morning. Arabella walked out of her room looking refreshed. She wore a simple, elegant light blue dress–nothing too flashy. but classy
It was Princess Celia’s birthday, and nearly every prominent family in Althoria would be attending. She didn’t want to attract attention. so she had kept her attire understated.
Rosalie saw her and stuck out her tongue. “Didn’t you say
say you weren’t going last night? Why are you up so early, then?”
Arabella reached out and tapped her forehead lightly. “You’re getting bolder every day.”
Clarissa walked in, holding a gift list. “My lady, here are the gifts I selected from the storage room. Take a look.”
Arabella took the list casually, glanced at it, and then tossed it on the dressing table. “No need. We’ll go empty–handed.”
Clarissa raised an eyebrow. “No gift? If word gets out, won’t the entire country laugh at the Duke’s estate?”
Arabella blinked and smiled. “Exactly what I want.”
Clarissa paused, then quickly realized. Of course, the Marquis’s estate’s reputation was none of their concern. They were more than happy to see the family’s name tarnished.
“But if we don’t bring a gift, how will we even get
A mischievous smile spread across Arabella’s face, her eyes gleaming with calculation.
“We’ll go to Princess Celia’s estate first and tell the person registering the gifts that Seraphina will be arriving later with a significant gift.
She thought, If Seraphina brings a gift, everything will be fine. If not, well, then things will get interesting. They think they can humiliate me and then just go? Not a chance. The shame I have suffered, I would make them pay for it
Clarissa thought for a moment before asking, “Should we send someone to remind Seraphina to prepare a gift? That way, she won’t have an excuse to cause trouble for you.”
Arabella thought for a moment and nodded. “Send someone to mention it casually”
Given Seraphina’s miserly nature, she would most likely refuse, only to send someone back to Silver Suite to ask Arabella to prepare a gift. She thought, This was going to be fun.
2/3
At Chamber of Roses, Helena was trying to convince Seraphina to take her to the banquet.
Though Seraphina was foolish, she knew that an important banquet like this wasn’t a place for a concubine.
“Helena, this is the Princess’s birthday banquet. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to attend.”
Helena’s eyes welled up with tears, her face full of helplessness. I’m not asking for face for myself, but for Maxwell. He is the heir of the Duke’s estate.”
Mentioning Maxwell made Seraphina hesitate. She did want to raise Maxwell’s status, and the only way to do that was to elevate Helena’s standing.
“Ah..” Seraphina was about to speak when Gabriel walked in.
“Mrs. Farrow, Arabella has sent word that you should prepare a gift.”
