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.

had no choice but to

was that

the Midwinter Feast, Gabriel said days later, face grave. "He's personally requested I bring

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

He had no choice.

to his steward. "Cyrus. Tell Sophie to dress tomorrow

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Chapter 210

Heaven and their ancestors

an elaborate ceremony, offering

the Holy Lady wasn't required to appear, Eliza and the rest of Saint Grace

open, and a celebratory banquet began. Courtiers arrived with their wives and daughters.

with amusement, while below, noblewomen and young ladies chatted in small,

been locked up for days, could hardly contain herself. She glanced over at Gabriel, who was busy talking to his aides,

to greet them when

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

it. She was the top

we'll get to see her work ever

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

plenty. Word is she's not actually Gabriel's adopted daughter-she's

"You're kidding"

all over the place. Everyone's talking

that's true, how does she even have the gall to show her face

that-crawling out of some

I heard she used to be Gabriel's favorite. But in

chose Caroline for the

him? Even as a concubine would've