The Slave Queen - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

As Shawn stepped down from the carriage, the first person he saw was Raelynn.
His sharp, phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly as he approached. His voice was low and rich, smooth as aged wine. "Lady Raelynn."
Raelynn raised an eyebrow in surprise.
After spending four years hidden away in Aether Sanctum, she had long since faded from the memory of Hazond City's elite.
She hadn't expected him to still recognize her.
She gave a graceful curtsey. "Lord Shawn.
"And may I ask what brings you here today?"
Her tone was polite, even curious, but inwardly she was already calculating—if he had come on Ian's behalf, how could she defend both Margot's dignity and her own without escalating matters?
To her surprise, Shawn offered the faintest trace of a smile—something rare for the famously reserved statesman.
"I heard Ian was disrespectful to Lady Margot last night. I've come to offer an apology on his behalf."
As he spoke, he tilted his head slightly. Behind him, his steward stepped forward, carrying a brocade box and an official document.
With a respectful bow, the steward spoke clearly, "There was once an engagement between the Marquis and Duke's estates. But it was Lord Ian who broke that promise, causing offense and grievance to Lady Raelynn. We are here today to offer a formal apology."
"This," he continued, presenting the contents of the box, "is the original betrothal token from when the engagement was arranged." Raelynn instinctively reached out to accept it. "And this," he said, holding out the document, "is an official statement. It makes clear that the responsibility for the broken engagement lies entirely with the marquis' estate. Lady Raelynn bears no fault and remains free to marry into any respectable family without reproach."
There was no attempt to sugarcoat the situation. The steward stated the facts plainly, with no hint of evasion.
It was, without question, a genuine apology.
Raelynn had expected a long, bitter struggle to dissolve the engagement. She hadn't imagined it would be resolved this swiftly—or with such grace.
Handled by none other than the famously capable and fiercely loyal Grand Chancellor himself, the matter now seemed almost dignified. For the first time, Raelynn found herself feeling a flicker of admiration for Shawn.
So, the Lindsay family wasn't entirely made up of men who broke their word.
To take responsibility so cleanly, so publicly—that was the mark of a man of integrity. No wonder he held such power in court.
With that thought, the tension in her expression eased.
"The fault for the broken engagement lies fully with the marquis' estate," the steward added before she could speak. "Lord Ian acted improperly and offended Lady Margot. This is a formal gesture of our regret."
He opened the box again, revealing a fresh, glistening Elixirroot—an expensive and thoughtful gift.
"Lord Shawn, your visit honors our humble home. Forgive me for not coming out to greet you sooner."
Before Raelynn could respond, a familiar voice—low and dignified, but laced with the weariness of illness—cut through the air.
Raelynn turned quickly. Margot had come outside.
She rushed forward, supporting her with both hands. "Grandmother, it's freezing. Why did you come out in this weather?"
Margot approached slowly, wearing a gold-inlaid jewel forehead ornament and a thick cloak draped over her shoulders. She leaned heavily on her cane, her steps unsteady, supported carefully by Esther.
Esther offered a quiet explanation, "Lady Margot heard Lord Shawn had arrived and insisted on coming out to greet him."
But of course, everyone knew the truth—this wasn't just a formality. She had come to stand up for Raelynn.
Margot gently patted the back of Raelynn's hand.
"Don't worry, Raelynn. I'm fine."
"Grandmother!"
Shawn remained poised, the picture of elegance and restraint. He gave Margot a polite nod. "Lady Margot, I've come today on behalf of the marquis' estate to offer a formal apology. Ian behaved poorly last night. I hope you'll be generous enough to forgive the offense."
Though his words were apologetic, his tone carried no hint of flattery—only the calm assurance of someone used to command.
Margot had been sharp and decisive in her youth.
Just one glance, and she could see that Shawn was a man of honor.
She smiled. "Lord Shawn, it's not often we have the pleasure of your company. Won't you come in and sit for a while?"
Before Shawn could decline, she added, "Though the engagement between your nephew and Raelynn is no longer, I imagine the Lennox and Lindsay families may still have ties of marriage in the future..."
Shawn's brows twitched ever so slightly, but the expression vanished as quickly as it came.
As head of the marquis' estate, he knew all too well the tangled drama between Ian and the Lennox sisters.
That foolish nephew of his was still intent on marrying the so-called 'adopted daughter' of the Duke's estate.
"Very well," he replied calmly.
With that, he followed the servant into the residence.
In the main hall.
A blazing hearth filled the room with comforting warmth.
Margot removed her cloak and took the seat of honor. Raelynn stood quietly at her side, hands folded.
Shawn spoke first. "I heard you've been unwell, Lady Margot. I've brought a fresh Elixirroot as a gesture of goodwill. May it aid your recovery and bring you long life and good health."
"You're very kind, Lord Shawn."
Margot nodded graciously and motioned for Raelynn to accept the gift.
As she took the brocade box, Shawn's gaze fell on her hands—red, swollen, and cracked from the cold, covered with chilblains.
For reasons he couldn't quite explain, a flicker of sympathy stirred in his chest.
Without hesitation, he reached into his sleeve and placed a small bottle on top of the box.
"This is a salve from the Anaken City region. It's excellent for reducing swelling and treating frostbite. Please accept it as a small gesture of our regret over the broken engagement. I hope you won't refuse, Lady Raelynn."
Raelynn gave a faint nod and accepted it without protest.
After all, Anaken City herbal salves were rare and incredibly valuable—practically priceless.