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.

speak her mind. When

of status, after the late king's passing,

indifference towards

lack of respect toward Helen was her greatest sorrow. Despite his

had never sought

sister was the queen dowager, she was still only an honored concubine, which was below the rank

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

imperious grand princess had to acknowledge Rafael's achievements and, by extension, Helen could also share in the benefits as

to help manage the household. After all, with the lands, estates, and shops we have, it would be difficult without a lady of the house to oversee them," Helen said, her

laugh and smoothed the crimson skirt she wore, her eyes narrowing as she smiled

devoted, why hasn't he asked the king to

He

dowager. Now that 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

clearly up to no good-the remark was a

must be quite the failure

your own son

in high regard," Eleanor said with

criticize Helen, but

It fueled Helen's fury.

to control her temper. Even though she knew she would be at a disadvantage, she was about