Chapter 336 Stand By

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Isolde pulled open the door, her expression calm but sharp. “Did Allan say what this is about?”

The messenger was Rylen, Allan’s most disciplined and respectful attendant. He bowed slightly before answering. “Lady Isolde, Allan didn’t specify, but someone came to report an incident just before I was sent. I may have to do with Lady Cristina.”

Isolde raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Very well, we’ll be there shortly. Please inform Lord Allan we are on our way.”

As Rylen withdrew, Isolde turned back inside, frowning slightly. “I saw her wound with my own eyes–it was barely a scratch. And yet, she had the audacity to take this all the way to Allan?”

*Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll go alone,” Oliver said, already reaching for his cloak.

“No,” Isolde countered immediately. “This is not your area of expertise. We go together. But remember- this is an inner–court matter. No matter what is said, no matter what they demand, you must not intervene. Even if Cristina begs to become a concubine, all you need to say is, ‘This is for Isolde to decide.“”

Oliver’s brows furrowed. “That would put you in a difficult position.”

“Not at all,” Isolde said coolly. “Just trust me. Allan is a man of rules. He has summoned you only as a courtesy because I only married into the family today. He won’t want you involving yourself in household affairs. He’s calling you to stand by me, not to give an opinion.”

Oliver studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Fine. If you can handle this, I’ll let you. It’ll be a good opportunity for you to establish your authority in the house. But I will say this once–she will never be my concubine. Not now. Not ever. Find a way to make her leave.”

“I know,” Isolde said with a playful smile.

Oliver sighed and pressed his palm against her forehead gently, his eyes filled with warmth–and guilt. Tm sorry. You just married in, and now you have to deal with all this nonsense.”

Isolde exhaled softly. “It was my own doing.”

Even if Rosemary had orchestrated this, Cristina’s presence in the household was ultimately something she had agreed to.

Oliver’s expression darkened with resolve. “I swear this–there will be no concubines. No second wife. Just you.”

With that, he fastened his cloak and took her hand as they stepped out into the night.

The snowfall had grown heavier. The cold wind bit against their faces, harsher than when Isolde had left earlier.

cloak wider, wrapping Isolde tightly within it as they walked, shielding her from the icy

Hazel, and even Esme had come along. Though Hazel and Hattie may not have much to

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courtyard was ablaze

within.

were stationed outside. That meant Allan had

opened the doors, ushering them

was immediate–the chamber was heated by an internal fire wall, sealing off the bitter cold outside.

expression as stern as ever. Next to him was a richly dressed woman in her forties,

to the left, while Margaret sat

floor, kneeling, was Agnes, her shoulders trembling as she wiped away endless

forward, bowing

eyes scrutinizing her. He had not seen her face during the

moved with poise and elegance, her

finished paying respects, Allan stroked

then turned to greet Pablo and Margaret before sitting on the

eyes red and

blinked, masking

Agnes… begging?

whose

feel right.

gentle yet distant. “If this is important, surely Grandfather and Father will see justice done.

decision lies with you and you alone! My poor Cristina… she has tried to take her own life twice tonight! You must understand–she is a proud woman. She was once engaged to Oliver. To become a concubine was already a blow to her dignity. But now that you refuse to grant her even that title, she has lost all hope. I know

slow, amused coldness crept into

Ah.

would be letting

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