The Slave Queen - Chapter 40: Chapter 40

As long as that wretched Raelynn didn't marry Shawn, then she still had a chance.
If she could become Shawn's wife, who would dare bring up her low-born origins again?
But even as those thoughts burned in Julia's heart, she didn't let any of it show.
Instead, she put on her most demure and considerate expression, and gently said to Ian, "Lord Ian, Raelynn is our parents' biological daughter. If she marries Lord Shawn, it wouldn't be unreasonable — at least from a family perspective.
"It's just... if she really wants to marry Lord Shawn, she'll need to work on her temper. Otherwise..."
"No way!"
Ian, entirely oblivious to her subtle barbs, cut her off without hesitation. "My uncle is a man of integrity and honor. He deserves the finest woman in the world. Raelynn is jealous and petty — and let's not forget, she served as a palace maid! She might be fine for some average man, but to be the wife of a future Grand Minister? Absolutely not. I won't allow it!"
What really bothered him — though he didn't say it — was the thought of his former fiancée marrying his uncle.
That would be humiliating.
Without waiting for a response, he stormed off, not even looking back at Julia.
Which suited her perfectly.
She remained standing, watching his retreating figure with a slow-growing smile on her lips.
She thought, 'Go ahead.
'Go tell Lord Shawn to cancel the engagement.'
And when he did, she would personally offer an apology on Raelynn's behalf, gradually drawing closer to the man everyone called a rising star.
Just like she had with Ian.
Step by step, she would make that refined, brilliant man hers.
Meanwhile, in Lunebloom Hollow
The first thing Raelynn did upon returning was draw a hot bath to shake off the chill.
After spending the night traveling through snow and wind, even the coffee Edgar had given her hadn't fully warmed her up.
And the descent from the mountain had only left her colder.
By the time Gabriel arrived, she was still soaking in the steaming water.
When Sienna came in to announce his visit, she was so relaxed she didn't even bother opening her eyes.
"Tell him I'm not available. He can come another day."
She no longer cared about maintaining appearances for so-called "family." And after spending time with Shawn, she had learned there was no reason to humble herself for people who didn't deserve it.
Now, she lived by her own rules — no more pleasing others at her own expense.
As for Gabriel? Whatever he wanted could wait.
Sienna acknowledged the order and stepped out to relay the message.
But Gabriel was as stubborn as ever. He sat down on a bench without hesitation. "No matter. I'll wait. However long she needs, I'll be here."
Sienna pressed her lips together, then silently brewed him a pot of coffee and returned inside to inform Raelynn.
Raelynn let out a soft laugh.
"Let him wait."
She thought, 'What's he going to do — camp out here overnight?'
What she didn't realize was that, as Gabriel sat quietly in the modest courtyard, he felt a dull ache in his chest. The furnishings were plain. The air was cold. The room lacked warmth in every sense of the word.
He took a sip of the coffee and grimaced — bitter, rough, and low-grade.
He thought, 'Is this what Raelynn drinks now?'
He glanced around.
Four years ago, when Raelynn had lived here, he had personally overseen the décor — fine vases, elegant ornaments, tasteful embroidery.
But after she was sent to the palace as a servant, Julia had taken over the courtyard and replaced everything, saying she didn't like the original style.
Now it looked like Raelynn had thrown all those things out in turn.
And honestly? He couldn't blame her. Julia had tossed out Raelynn's belongings once before. If Raelynn did the same now, it was only fair.
What he didn't know was that most of those items hadn't been thrown out — Julia had taken them for herself.
Just as he was considering whether to help redecorate the courtyard, Esther and Cecilia entered the room, followed by a line of servants.
Each one carried bundles of luxurious fabric, ornate jewelry, and elegant clothing.
As the mistress of the house, Cecilia naturally walked ahead.
The moment she stepped inside and saw Gabriel, her expression shifted in surprise.
"Gabriel? Shouldn't you be resting? What are you doing here at Lunebloom Hollow?"
She was still worried about him — especially after he'd knelt all night in the cemetery.
Gabriel shook his head. "I just wanted to check on Raelynn."
To make up for lost time. To repair what had been broken between them.
Cecilia didn't think much of it and nodded. "That's very thoughtful. But go rest now — I have something I need to discuss with Raelynn."
After a pause, Gabriel stood.
What he'd come to say wasn't urgent.
And since Cecilia had business with Raelynn, he could always return later.
He gave her a respectful nod. "I'll take my leave, then."
Once he was gone, Cecilia glanced at the seat he had just vacated. The coffee cup sat on the table, filled with cheap, over-steeped coffee.
The sight stung her.
Julia had taken everything. And now, the daughter of a noble Duke's estate had nothing better to serve guests than this inferior coffee.
That realization hit her hard. Her guilt over Raelynn — and her remorse — deepened.