The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 210

Chapter 210

"You're talking nonsense, Gabriel snapped. "When did I ever say I didn't want you anymore?""

He shot to his feet, his temper flaring as he glared at Sophie, "Look at the mess you've made lately. Every time, it's me cleaning up after you. But this time? You've gone too far. If this keeps up, even I won't be able to protect you. So don't go threatening me with talk of joining your mother in the afterlife."

He flicked his sleeve and turned away in disgust, clearly done with the conversation.

Panic surged in Sophie's chest. "No, Father-no, I wasn't trying to threaten you. I just panicked! I thought... I thought you didn't want me anymore. I said the wrong thing. I know that now. Please, don't be angry...

Tears began falling again, thick and fast. She had often heard people say that not only did she resemble her mother Zoie when she was young, but when she cried, she looked exactly like her.

That soft, pitiful look-like the girl Gabriel had once loved so deeply in his youth- how could it not tug at his heart?

At last, he sighed. "Enough. You've suffered your share of consequences this time. Just knowing your mistake is enough... Hearing his tone soften, Sophie finally exhaled in relief.

But before she could smile, he added coldly, "That doesn't mean this matter is over. From now on, you are not to step foot outside this room-not even into the courtyard. You're not to see those people your mother left behind either. Next time, I won't be so lenient.

Sophie's face twisted. "Is it really that serious? Eliza already got her mother's body back-what more does she want?" Gabriel turned and shot her a withering look, as if she were an idiot. "You think this is just about Eliza and Caroline? The Padilla family may have fallen, but their legacy still casts a long shadow over court."

And that wasn't even what worried him most. What worried him was the man who sat above them all.

But Sophie couldn't grasp the weight of what he was saying. To her, Gabriel was just being overly cautious-or worse, using this as an excuse to scare her, And she had never been someone who scared easily.

Even if some of their allies still existed, would they really step in for the sake of a daughter born of an outsider?

No, Sophie didn't believe it for a second.

Still, Gabriel had spoken, and Sophie's entire household was swiftly turned upside down. Every servant in her courtyard was replaced-some to serve, but more to keep watch. And this time, they meant it: not one step beyond her bedroom door.

choice but to

was that Gabriel's fears were

Feast, Gabriel said days later, face grave. "He's personally

annual banquet where the King hosted all his ministers and their families. Gabriel had intended to use Sophie's injuries as an

He had no choice.

steward. "Cyrus. Tell Sophie to

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Chapter 210

and their ancestors for peace

led the court in an elaborate ceremony, offering

appear, Eliza and the

began. Courtiers arrived with their

the top, the King and the Empress Dowager watched the performances with amusement, while below, noblewomen and young ladies chatted in

locked up for days, could hardly contain herself. She glanced over at Gabriel, who was busy talking to his aides, then slipped off to mingle with

greet them when she overheard

I heard Eliza was supposed to be here today. Where is she?" "Probably not coming, another said with a laugh. "She's a nun now, remember? My mother says they can't just wander off the mountain whenever they please." “Too bad. I was really looking forward to hearing her play. She always brings a new piece for the Midwinter banquet." "She's still the best among us at anything artistic-music, painting,

was the top in every

a shame. I doubt we'll get

pure and gentle and all that? I heard it so often I nearly went deaf. Any new

not actually Gabriel's adopted daughter-she's his

"You're kidding"

all over the place. Everyone's talking

she even have the gall to show her face

like that-crawling out of some

heard she used to be

Caroline for

marry him? Even as a concubine would've been better than playing the