The Slave Queen - Chapter 19: Chapter 19

"You've been a servant so long, Raelynn, that now you actually sympathize with these lowly maids, don't you?"
Julia's voice dripped with venom.
With no other members of the Lennox family around, she didn't bother maintaining her innocent, doe-eyed act.
She knew exactly where to stab Raelynn to hurt the most—and she aimed straight for the scar.
Raelynn's brows drew together faintly, but she didn't rise to the bait.
She had grown up among the common folk.
She knew how hard life was for those who served, and whether or not she'd once worn a servant's uniform, she had always treated the staff with kindness and respect.
But now...
Her eyes glinted with quiet amusement. "To be honest, you were the one meant to be the servant. Maybe all this time, I've just been being considerate."
One line. That was all it took. It twisted the knife—reminding Julia of her humble origins, and of how Raelynn had paid the price for Julia's crimes.
Julia's composure snapped. "Raelynn! You think you're something now, huh? Got people backing you and suddenly you're on top of the world?
"Well, let me tell you something. You might've taken back Lunebloom Hollow, but you'll never steal Father, Mother, and Gabriel's love! You'll never beat me!"
Raelynn smiled faintly. Her tone was cool, detached.
"If something can be stolen, it was never really worth having in the first place. But if you like digging through garbage so much... by all means, it's yours."
"You—! You're bluffing!"
Julia didn't believe a word of it. She knew how desperately Raelynn had once tried to earn affection in this house—how she used to lower herself just for a scrap of approval.
Give up her parents? Gabriel? Julia didn't buy it.
This had to be an act—a performance so she wouldn't lose face.
Her smug expression returned.
She gave a sudden shove, knocking Sienna to the ground, and strutted up to Raelynn with a twisted grin.
"Guess where I live now?"
Raelynn gave her a disinterested glance. "Where?"
"Moonspire Keep," Julia said with a triumphant little laugh.
"You thought I'd be dumped in that doghouse, Evermist Hall? That place was for my dog. You think Mother would ever let me live somewhere so low? Please." She lifted her chin, sneering. "You enjoy your little Lunebloom Hollow. I'll be in Moonspire Keep with Mother, where I belong."
Raelynn's response came flat and effortless. "See yourself out."
Julia froze.
There wasn't a single ripple of emotion on Raelynn's face—not jealousy, not anger, not even disdain.
She clenched her teeth so hard her jaw creaked.
Raelynn tilted her head, almost like an afterthought. "Oh right. I passed Mother earlier. She was looking for you." She leaned in slightly, voice low and sharp. "If she sees her precious darling daughter acting like this toward me... what do you think she'll do? Still let you stay in Moonspire Keep?"
She paused, each word clipped and clear. "You might not even have a doghouse left."
Julia's face went sheet-white.
She trembled with rage, muscles twitching uncontrollably. "You win this time," she spat, before turning on her heel and storming off.
Isabel and Katherine exchanged uneasy glances, then bowed their heads and scurried after her.
Raelynn stood quietly for a moment, unsure of how she felt.
She had spent so many years retreating, giving in at every turn. But now... with Margot's words echoing in her ears...
Maybe standing her ground didn't feel so bad after all.
Maybe it was time Julia tasted what it felt like to be pushed around.
Pulling herself from her thoughts, she turned to Sienna, regret flickering in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I should've protected you."
Sienna shook her head, but there was a rare light in her expression. "Lady Raelynn, what Lady Margot fears most is seeing you suffer. But today... seeing you speak up for yourself? I was proud. I want to go tell her right now, just so she can be at ease."
Raelynn stopped her with a gentle hand.
She pulled out a small jar of balm, unscrewed the lid, and began carefully applying it to Sienna's reddening cheek. "I know you're loyal to Grandmother," she said softly. "But now you're mine. If you serve me, then I'm the one you answer to."
Sienna blinked in confusion.
Raelynn met her eyes. "There are things Grandmother shouldn't have to worry about anymore. I won't allow myself to be mistreated again."
"But..."
Sienna began to understand.
Even so, she thought, 'If Lady Margot knew her precious granddaughter has changed so much, if she saw this newfound strength... She would be so, so proud.'
Raelynn capped the jar and lowered her gaze.
"Sienna," she said quietly. "I've already spoken with Esther. But I need your help too..."