The Slave Queen - Chapter 115: Chapter 115

Cecilia said, "Eileen, there's no need to tell Raelynn about my plans for her wedding gift today. However, let her know that when she returns, she should come to Moonspire Keep and have a chat with me. I am her mother, after all."
"Yes, ma'am," Eileen replied obediently, though inwardly she sneered.
Eileen thought, 'A real mother wouldn't show such blatant favoritism, would she?'
Although Eileen technically served Cecilia, in this short time, her loyalties had already shifted to Raelynn.
Naturally, her first concern was now Raelynn's interests.
Eileen thought, 'After today, it might not be a bad thing if Lady Raelynn could completely sever her familial ties with the Duke's estate.
'Though from what I've observed, Lady Raelynn seems to have long since lost any real affection for her parents.
'But then again, what good is a mother who wouldn't even give her daughter a wedding gift? Lady Raelynn really has no use for someone like that.'
Cecilia rose to her feet and, assisted by Tuesday, walked with measured steps toward the courtyard gate.
As Cecilia took in the sight of plum blossoms filling the courtyard, even that last shred of guilt toward Raelynn vanished from her heart.
She thought, 'Even without me as her mother, at least Raelynn still has her grandmother, who dotes on her every need. She'll be just fine.
'But if Julia didn't have me to plan for her future, she truly would have nothing and no one to rely on.
'Besides, Julia is the one who will truly marry Shawn.
'As the future wife of Shawn, Julia's wedding gift must absolutely outshine Raelynn's.'
At this thought, the determination in Cecilia's eyes grew even more resolute.
Once Cecilia had left, Eileen fixed Vania with a stern gaze.
Vania was secretly pleased with herself since she had helped Julia keep her share of wedding gifts.
Later, when no one's around, she wanted to sneak off to Moonspire Keep and report her success to Julia.
She rigured that maybe Julia would her with something nice again.
Vania thought to herself, 'The things I've recently gotten from Lady Julia have already fetched me enough money to support an ordinary family for years!'
However, just as she was basking in triumph and turned around, she found herself staring into Eileen's stern, piercing eyes.
Vania's heart skipped a beat. Realizing her mistake, she instinctively dropped to her knees. "Eileen, I was only thinking of Lady Raelynn's best interests!"
"Really? Then do tell," Eileen said, her face impassive, each word a pointed demand.
Vania's eyes darted craftily as a sly idea struck her. She said, "Lady Raelynn is always fighting for Mr. Lennox and Mrs. Lennox's favor, which makes things difficult for them.
"Now that Lady Raelynn and Lady Julia are getting married on the same day, Lady Raelynn has already received so many wedding gifts from Lady Margot, yet Lady Julia hasn't received anything from Lady Margot.
"I was just thinking, if even Lady Cecilia were to offer gifts to Lady Raelynn, then Lady Julia would be left with absolutely nothing. When she marries off, wouldn't she be scorned by her in-laws for having no wedding gift at all..."
As Vania spoke, she cautiously observed Eileen's reaction.
Eileen sneered. "So, you're looking out for Lady Raelynn, are you?"
Seeing that Eileen seemed to believe her, Vania felt a pang of relief and quickly added in an ingratiating tone, "Exactly. Eileen, I know you're also loyal to Lady Cecilia. Aren't we all just working to help everyone in the Duke's estate?"
She thought she had a point.
Eileen's expression grew even frostier.
At that moment, she saw through Vania's true allegiance completely.
Eileen thought, 'She wasn't aligned with Lady Cecilia's faction, nor was she loyal to Lady Raelynn. She was Lady Julia's mole.
'Vania claims she has Lady Raelynn's best interests at heart, but every single thing she did actually harms Lady Raelynn while benefiting Lady Julia.
'If she genuinely has Lady Raelynn's best interests at heart, why would she have stopped Lady Cecilia from adding to Lady Raelynn's wedding gift?
'So what if Lady Cecilia gave every last bit of her belongings to Lady Raelynn and left Lady Julia with nothing?
'After all, Lady Raelynn is the true legitimate daughter of the Duke's estate.'
But Eileen didn't share any of this with Vania.
Eileen said impassively, "Let's leave this matter for now. Return to your duties."
"Yes." Vania rose to her feet, convinced she had managed to talk Eileen around.
She even started thinking of ways to have Eileen expose Raelynn's secrets.
That way, she would have more oppurtunities to go to Julia for a reward.
But then again, Vania thought to herself, 'There was no way in hell I could ever recruit Eileen into Julia's camp.
'Eileen outranks me by far.
'If Eileen were to gain Julia's favor, then all these rewards would no longer be mine to claim.
'I would never be content with what I've got so far.
'I must become Julia's most trusted maid!'
Just as she was about to leave, Eileen suddenly called her back. "From now on, tread carefully in your duties. Don't forget that you currently serve in Lunebloom Hollow, and your employer is Lady Raelynn."
Those words were a pointed warning.
But Vania paid it no mind.
Vania mumbled a dismissive response. Then, she went out.