Chapter 336 Stand By

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nished

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.

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

Hazel and Hattie may not have much to say in front of Allan, Esme was a

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330 Stand By

Finished

Chamber, the courtyard was

within.

That meant Allan had summoned them as well.

doors, ushering them

warmth was immediate–the chamber was heated by an internal fire wall, sealing off the bitter

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

occupied a seat to the left, while Margaret

floor, kneeling, was Agnes, her shoulders trembling

stepped forward,

sharp eyes scrutinizing her. He had not seen her

veil. Now, as she moved with poise and elegance, her every action was carefully observed.

respects, Allan stroked his

Pablo and Margaret

rushed to Isolde’s side, eyes red and

blinked, masking her amusement.

Agnes… begging?

ever–proud and untouchable Agnes, whose arrogance knew no

feel

Grandfather and Father will see

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 you have a kind heart–you won’t let her

crept into Isolde’s chest.

Ah.

if she refused… she would

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Fri, 4 Apr

Stand By

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