The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 217

Chapter 217 Chapter 217

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Father, Benedict - Matthew snapped, his voice shaking with fury. "I can't believe this is how you're treating Sophie!"

Anthony chimed in, equally frustrated. "You both know exactly what the Imperial Palace is like. You know how deeply the King distrusts the Stonor family, and yet you still left her there like it was nothing!"

"What if something happens to her? Matthew's voice rose. "What if she's bullied or humiliated in there? With none of us by her side, who's going to protect her?"

"Fine. If you two won't go after her, then I will!" His eyes burned with resolve. “Had I known you were just going to abandon her the moment she entered the palace, I would've limped in there myself-broken leg or not!"

The Stonor household had been in an uproar over Sophie's entrance into the palace for two days straight. Or more accurately. Matthew had been the one raising hell.

Anthony didn't shout as much, but he stood firmly behind Matthew in every argument.

Gabriel and Benedict, on the other hand, were quickly losing their patience. They had tried-tried-to explain that it wasn't their decision. Sophie had insisted on going. But that reason fell on deaf ears.

"Sophie's too naive, Matthew barked. "She has no idea how dangerous the palace is! Sure, there may not be anyone else in the harem now, but what about later? Once the King gets bored and decides to hold a selection, the palace will be packed- and Sophie, being the first one in, will become every woman's target!"

Gabriel finally snapped. "If you really understood how wary the King is of our family," he said coldly, "then you'd realize there's no way he actually intends to keep Sophie in the palace for long."

"And what if he does?" Matthew shot back "What if that's exactly his plan? What if he's keeping her as leverage-to threaten you, threaten all of us?"

his head in exasperation. "If that's how you insist on seeing it, then there's nothing

Benedict spoke, voice calm but cutting. "Even if the King did want to use a consort as leverage against the Stonor family-it wouldn't be

head snapped toward him.

it obvious?" Benedict stared him down. "Let's not sugarcoat things. At best, Sophie is Father's adopted daughter. At worst, she's

roared, stepping forward, fists clenched,

flinch. What-going to hit me

you even heard the words coming out of your mouth? They're disgusting. Matthew seethed. "Sophie's the sister we've loved and protected

voice turned ice-cold. "Years? How many years,

Matthew-how long is so long? Six months? A year? Is that

you said nothing when she was cast out. You didn't raise your voice once for her. Is fourteen years just a joke to

words stunned Matthew-and even Anthony fell silent. Even

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manage a weak, bitter murmur. "It's not like

scoff. "Then you really are blind. We all are. The only one who saw clearly was

like he's noble. but the

fool, but you don't

he looked at Matthew

shouted, "I don't care about any of that anymore. I just want

storm the Imperial Palace with your laughable martial skills? Please. If that's your plan, then I suggest you cut ties with us first-at least that way

Gabriel's voice cut through the room

face them both. "Sophie is currently in the Benevolent Palace.