Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 196

However, Helen had been invited, Although she didn't want to come, she couldn't bear the thought of what stories might be spun about her if she stayed away.

So, she gritted her teeth and showed up.

When she heard the gossip out Carissa, she was enraged.

Fortunately, no one knew that this woman was about to marry Rafael.

If they did, and if Eleanor herself were to lead in making fun of her, Helen would have felt utterly humiliated.

Helen sat to one side, deliberately ignored by Eleanor. Helen had no mind for conversation.

It was Eleanor's daughter, Jessica, who saw Helen and smiled. "Oh, you've come too, Aunt Helen? What gift did you bring for my mother?

Jessica's question, directed only at Helen, clearly aimed to make her uncomfortable.

Helen had expected to be challenged over this gift. Reluctantly, she said, "I heard you're a devout Christian, Your Highness, so I brought a finely crafted gold cross as a gift. Please accept it."

She signaled Gillian to present the gift to Eleanor. Eleanor took one glance, and said indifferently, "Though I already have several of these gold crosses, I appreciate your kind gesture. I will accept it." Helen was nearly driven to rage by Eleanor's haughty attitude. She rolled her eyes, thinking that if Eleanor looked down on the gift, she shouldn't have accepted it.

Helen dared not speak her mind.

no match for Eleanor. In terms of status, after the late king's passing, Helen-once favored

her son's indifference towards her. It it weren't for Salvador's intervention allowing her to leave the palace and stay

of respect toward Helen was her greatest sorrow. Despite

never

was the queen dowager, she was still only an honored concubine, which was below the rank of noble concubines like Dakota and

palace to live with Rafael, Helen. It must be a touching reunion of mother and son. I

extension, Helen could also share in the benefits as

the lands, estates, and shops we have, it would be difficult without a lady of the house to oversee them," Helen said, her voice betraying

smoothed the crimson skirt she

if he's so devoted, why hasn't he asked the king to promote your rank? After all,

He

Rafael has achieved such a remarkable feat by reclaiming the Southern Frontier, wouldn't it be easy for him to speak a word in the king's and

She could tell that this old woman was clearly up to no good-the remark was

be quite the failure as a mother

your own son

high regard,"

onlookers dared not openly criticize Helen, but stifled their laughter behind

It fueled Helen's fury.

her temper. Even though she knew she would