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.

dared not speak her mind. When it came

In terms of status, after

triumphantly. While she could boast in the palace, she felt constrained outside, fully aware of her son's indifference towards

of respect toward Helen was

had never sought

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

with Rafael, Helen. It must be a touching reunion of

even the imperious grand princess had to acknowledge Rafael's achievements and, by extension, Helen could also

respectful, and insisted on living with me. I thought it best 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

a soft laugh and smoothed the crimson skirt

why hasn't he asked the

He

son and come from a distinguished family. Also, your elder sister is the queen 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 and the queen dowager's presence to elevate your rank to that

instantly. She could tell that this old woman was clearly

must be quite the failure as a

your own son

regard," Eleanor said with

not openly criticize Helen, but stifled their laughter

It fueled Helen's fury.

knew she would be at a