The Slave Queen - Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Cecilia spoke again, "Then... what about these maidservants—"
But Raelynn was already ignoring her. She turned instead to Esther, her expression softening into a smile.
"Esther, when did you get here? Did Grandmother send you?"
Esther stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Not exactly, miss. Lady Margot was just thinking—when you were at Evermist Hall the other day, the place was practically bare. It's probably still the same now, so she asked me to bring over a few nice things from her old wedding gift for you to use."
As she spoke, she gestured for a few servants to bring the items in.
There were clothes and jewelry, fine vases for the room.
Even thick quilts and pillows had been thoughtfully prepared.
Finally, Esther took out some cash and a few banknotes, placing them into Raelynn's hands.
"Lady Margot said these are for you to keep and use."
Raelynn counted the money in her palm—there were at least 30 dollars, and the banknotes totaled over 30 thousand dollars.
Her instinct was to refuse, but Esther gently said, "Lady Raelynn, this is Lady Margot's way of showing her care. You've just come home—you must be having a hard time with no money of your own. These were set aside for you long ago as part of your wedding gift.
"I think you should hold on to them. You could even pick up a few small gifts for Lady Margot—make her smile a little. That's just another way of showing your love, isn't it?"
Gripping the money, Raelynn felt her throat tighten.
Truly, Margot had thought of everything.
Off to the side, Cecilia's face burned with shame.
All she'd thought to offer was material compensation.
She hadn't considered that Raelynn might not even have a single coin to her name.
Raelynn had clearly taken Esther's words to heart. She didn't refuse again.
She accepted the money and glanced over the things Margot had sent. She liked every single one of them and said without hesitation, "Thank you, Esther. Please have everything set up for me."
The stark difference in treatment stung Cecilia, leaving her heart sour and heavy.
Esther was clearly pleased. She quickly called the servants to arrange everything properly.
She even helped Raelynn change the bedding herself. Even the bed curtains were made from exquisite, shimmering silk.
Raelynn was deeply moved by Margot's generosity, and her affection for Margot only grew stronger.
By the time everything in Lunebloom Hollow was in place, Cecilia had already slipped away with her attendants.
Esther looked at Raelynn with quiet pride. "Lady Raelynn, I'm glad to see you looking out for yourself now."
What she really meant was: Well done.
If Hugo and Cecilia were going to openly favor Julia, then Raelynn had every right to return the gesture in kind.
Using Margot as her shield? A smart move.
But as a servant, she couldn't say such things aloud.
Raelynn smiled calmly. "Lady Cecilia's things were never meant for me. But I could never turn down Grandmother's kindness."
Esther looked at the poised, understanding girl in front of her and felt a deep ache in her chest.
She glanced around. Everyone present was from Margot's household, which gave her a bit of peace of mind.
Lowering her voice, she said, "Lady Raelynn, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but... with Lord Hugo and Lady Cecilia so clearly biased now, have you thought about what might happen when Lady Margot passes on? Who will be there to protect you then?
"This great estate will fall to Lady Julia... and she's not even related to Lord Hugo by blood..."
Before she could finish, Raelynn raised a hand to stop her.
"You're overthinking it, Esther. The estate won't fall to either me or Julia."
She looked up at Esther, who had always cared for her, and her lips curved into a faint smile.
"The future heir of Duke's estate will be Lord Gabriel. You mustn't say things like this again."
If those words reached the wrong ears...
Someone might use them to stir up trouble.
She didn't want to cause Margot any worry—Even more, she didn't want anyone who had ever shown her kindness to end up suffering because of her.
Esther understood instantly—Raelynn had a clear mind.
She nodded. "Yes, Lady Raelynn. I'll remember."
Once Lunebloom Hollow had been fully set up, it looked just as it had four years ago, when Raelynn had left.
Esther said, "Now this feels right. Lady Margot will be pleased when she sees it."
Raelynn simply smiled and said nothing.
"Lady Raelynn, do you have anything you need to attend to right now?" Esther suddenly asked.
Raelynn shook her head. "No. Why? Does Grandmother need me?"
Esther smiled. "Nothing urgent. She just misses you. If you're free, it'd be a good time to visit her in Embergrace House. You could keep her company—and the seamstresses are there too. They can take your measurements for new clothes."
As she spoke, her eyes drifted to the faded, worn dress Raelynn still had on.