The Slave Queen - Chapter 23: Chapter 23

For the past four years, Julia had been living here.
She often came by Lunebloom Hollow.
Back then, the place was beautifully furnished—vases and ornaments of every kind.
But now, the entire room was empty.
Even the golden-threaded curtains by the window were gone.
Once grand and refined, Lunebloom Hollow now felt downright shabby.
And earlier, on her way in through the garden, she'd noticed something else—the flowers and plants that once filled the space had all disappeared.
At first, she hadn't thought much of it.
It was winter, after all. Flowers wilted, plants died back.
But even in the dead of winter, wintersweet blossoms should be blooming—and yet, not a trace of their fragrance lingered in the air.
She turned and asked Sienna, "What happened to the things Lady Julia left behind? And all the flowers in the garden—why are they gone?
"Does Raelynn hate Julia that much? So much that she can't even stand the sight of her things or the plants she once touched?"
A flicker of sarcasm tugged at the corner of Sienna's lips—but she quickly smoothed her expression.
So much for Cecilia's change of heart. In the end, she still chose to assume the worst about Raelynn.
Even as a servant, Sienna felt a chill in her heart for Raelynn.
She answered respectfully, "Lady Cecilia, the room was already like this when we arrived. As for the garden, Lady Julia ordered all the plants pulled out. She said if it wasn't something she wanted, she wouldn't leave it for Lady Raelynn either."
"Outrageous!"
Cecilia snapped, storming forward and slapping Sienna across the face.
"You foul-mouthed little wretch! How dare you make up such lies about Julia!"
Sienna was knocked to the ground.
But Cecilia wasn't finished. Still fuming, she pointed at her and scolded, "I thought you were one of the good ones. Even if you kept things from me, at least you were loyal to Raelynn. But now I see—you're just as deceitful as the rest!
"I was even considering promoting you—making you one of Raelynn's personal maids. But forget that. You have no place in this household anymore!"
"Tuesday!"
"Yes, Lady Cecilia!" Tuesday quickly stepped forward. "Sell this shameless creature off," Cecilia ordered. "And make it clear—she is never to set foot in the Duke's estate again!"
But before Tuesday could respond, a calm, commanding voice cut through the room. "Lady Cecilia, if you plan to dismiss someone from Lady Margot's household, I believe you should speak with her first."
Everyone turned to look. Esther stood at the door, flanked by two maids.
Cecilia's face darkened. She felt her authority challenged and her tone sharpened.
"You're just a servant. Do I need your permission to discipline my staff?"
Esther remained composed. "I wouldn't dare, Lady Cecilia. But Lady Margot is still ill. If you're planning to dismiss someone from her service, you should let her know. Otherwise, when she notices someone's gone, you'll still need to explain it."
Cecilia's temper flared. "Is that a threat?"
She thought, 'One after another, they're all defying me.
'Have they forgotten who's in charge around here?
'Am I not still the mistress of the household? Do I really need permission to deal with a mere maid?'
Esther held her ground. "Of course not, Lady Cecilia. I only ask that you not make things difficult for the rest of us."
Esther had once been Margot's personal maid, brought into the household as part of her wedding gift.
Over the years, she'd risen to manage Embergrace House.
Even Hugo himself treated her with respect.
Cecilia knew she couldn't afford a direct confrontation—not when the current king prized filial piety above all.
If word of this inner-courtyard dispute got out, the censors would have no trouble finding fault with Hugo.
Taking a steadying breath, Cecilia said coolly, "Do you know that Sienna slandered Julia? When a servant dares insult her mistress, it's more than enough grounds to have her beaten to death. What explanation could possibly be needed?"
Esther turned to Sienna, her tone unreadable. "Is that true?"
Sienna lifted her head stubbornly. "Esther, I told the truth.
"The room was stripped bare. The garden was torn up. Lady Julia took everything, down to the last piece of firewood."
Esther gave a faint smile. "Ah. So it's about that."
Cecilia frowned. "What do you mean?"
Esther looked at her meaningfully. "If you want the truth, why not go see for yourself? A quick visit to Lady Julia's room should answer everything."
The implication was clear—she believed Sienna.
Fury surged in Cecilia's chest.
She stared daggers at Esther, aching to put the arrogant old maid in her place.
But with Margot's authority looming behind her, she had to grit her teeth and swallow her rage. "Fine," she snapped. "I'll go take a look myself. And if it turns out Julia had nothing to do with any of this, you can be sure I'll take the matter straight to Lord Hugo."
Esther stepped aside. "Of course, Lady Cecilia. Please, go right ahead."
Cecilia had arrived filled with guilt. Now she left seething with fury.