The Slave Queen - Chapter 24: Chapter 24

After Cecilia left, Esther finally motioned for Sienna to get up.
She looked at Sienna's swollen cheek with a hint of pity, then turned to a nearby maid. "Bring some ointment for her."
Sienna bowed deeply. "Thank you, Esther, for stepping in."
Esther sighed. "You were just looking out for Lady Raelynn."
Luckily, one of the rough maids she'd stationed nearby had some sense.
The moment Cecilia started making trouble, she'd run straight to Embergrace House to fetch her.
That was the only reason they'd made it in time to stop things from going too far.
If Raelynn returned to find Sienna punished because of her, she'd never forgive herself.
It had been four years since she'd left, but Esther could still see it clearly—Raelynn was the only one in the entire household who still had a heart.
"She'll be back before Lord Shawn arrives. These next few days, all of you need to keep your heads down and your mouths shut. Don't let Lady Margot catch wind of anything."
"Yes, ma'am," the group answered in unison.
Meanwhile, Cecilia stormed back into Moonspire Keep, still burning with anger.
Julia had returned earlier and was pacing in her room, stewing over how to get rid of that wretched old woman Margot in Embergrace House once and for all.
She had a feeling—if she didn't take Margot out soon, Margot would come back to bite her. Hard.
Over the years, she'd made attempts in secret.
But Margot either claimed illness and stayed holed up, or kept herself so well-guarded that there was no way in.
Embergrace House's servants were fiercely loyal too. That place might as well have been a fortress.
For four years, she'd never once gotten close to succeeding.
Now with Raelynn back, things were only going to get more complicated.
And today—Cecilia's reaction had made her uneasy.
She'd clearly seen Cecilia heading toward Lunebloom Hollow...
The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became. Just then, her maid Isabel entered. "Lady Julia, Lady Cecilia is back."
Julia shot to her feet. She didn't even bother with a cloak—just gathered her skirts and ran out the door.
Night had already fallen.
Snow was drifting down softly from the sky.
The moment she stepped outside, a gust of cold wind slapped her in the face. She shivered violently, goosebumps racing down her arms.
Isabel followed behind with a white fox-fur cloak. "Lady Julia! You'll catch a chill like this!"
Before the words had even left her mouth, Cecilia spotted a white figure rushing toward her through the falling snow.
It was her precious daughter Julia.
"Mother!"
Julia threw herself into Cecilia's arms with a pouty, affectionate tone. "Where did you go? I missed you so much..."
"Achoo!"
She barely got the words out before she sneezed, scrunching her face.
The sharp scent of wintersweet hung heavy in the air—stronger than ever.
Whatever Cecilia had planned to say, she swallowed it down.
She pulled Julia close and scolded softly, "It's freezing out here. Why would you come out dressed like this? You'll make yourself sick!"
Just then, Isabel caught up.
Cecilia quickly took the cloak from her and draped it over Julia's shoulders, brushing the snow off her hair where it had been flattened by the hood.
"Come on, let's go inside."
Julia stole a glance at Cecilia's expression.
Seeing real concern in her eyes, she finally relaxed and gave a sweet smile.
"I was just worried about you, Mother."
As they walked, she held tightly to Cecilia's hand, swinging it gently like she used to when she was a child.
"Today is the best day. I finally get to live with you again!
"You don't know how lonely it's been these last few years. Living all alone in Lunebloom Hollow... Every time I woke up in the middle of the night missing you, I couldn't see you. It was so hard, Mother..."
She pouted, looking pitiful and wronged.
They had just stepped into the room when Cecilia's expression subtly changed.
She turned back and gave Julia a long, conflicted look.
Julia's large eyes blinked up at her, dewy with emotion. "Mother?"
Cecilia snapped out of it, forcing a smile—but it looked strained.
She thought, 'Is it just my imagination?
Why does everything Julia just said... make me feel so uncomfortable?
'Is she complaining about having to give up Lunebloom Hollow?'
Julia's smile began to falter too.
As Cecilia slipped off her cloak, a flicker of resentment flashed through Julia's eyes.
She thought, 'What's wrong with her today?
'Why didn't my usual act work?
'Can't she tell I am trying to say I am upset about losing Lunebloom Hollow?
In the past, the moment I pouted, she'd shower me with gifts and attention. She would've done anything to comfort me...'
That creeping feeling of losing control was tightening its grip on her chest.
Julia's eyes turned red as she stepped forward, just about to speak—