The Slave Queen - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Using something like that just for chilblains? What a waste.
Raelynn lowered her gaze and gave Shawn a graceful curtsey. "Thank you for your generosity, Lord Shawn."
Standing beside Shawn, the steward couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain.
The Anaken City salve was practically priceless—something money couldn't even buy. Shawn only had one bottle left... and now he'd given it to Lady Raelynn.
'If it were to save a life, that would've made sense. But for chilblains?
'Because it isn't Lord Shawn who has trekked through the wilds of Anaken City to obtain it, he isn't feeling upset?'
He grumbled silently but didn't dare show it.
All he could do was watch that little bottle in Raelynn's hands and mourn its departure in silence.
Meanwhile, Margot's mind was already working.
Lord Shawn... he is far more reliable than that fickle Ian.
If Raelynn could marry him instead...
'Even if there were no affection between them at first, with his character, he would never treat her poorly.'
The thought lingered for only a moment before she casually asked, "If I'm not mistaken, Lord Shawn—you're twenty-five this year, yes?"
Shawn gave a slight nod.
"And... are you married?"
His brow arched faintly. He could already guess where this was going.
With a soft, amused smile, he replied, "Not yet."
Margot's smile warmed, now fully sincere.
"Our family was once meant to be joined with the marquis' estate. Now that the engagement with Ian has been dissolved, perhaps I could play matchmaker again—this time for you, Lord Shawn?"
Before he could respond, she let out a quiet sigh. "My granddaughter has suffered far too many injustices. I don't know how much longer these old bones can protect her... All I ask is to see her settled with someone trustworthy before I go."
Raelynn's throat tightened. "Grandmother..."
A quiet chuckle broke the moment.
Both women turned to look at Shawn.
Unlike Margot's hopeful expression, Raelynn's was full of nervousness.
"Lord Shawn, my grandmother was only speaking out of concern—she didn't mean—"
But Shawn cut her off. "Very well." Calm, composed, and decisive.
"I'll return in three days to formally propose to Lady Raelynn."
The words had barely landed when the door opened, and in walked Cecilia and Julia—having rushed over after hearing that Shawn had arrived.
The moment Julia heard what he'd just agreed to, she blurted out in a panic—
"No! You can't!"
All eyes turned to Julia.
Raelynn, who had just been about to voice her refusal, held her tongue. Instead, she let out a faint, mocking smile and watched Julia with calm amusement.
Margot's expression darkened with displeasure. "And why not? Can't stand to see Raelynn happy, is that it?"
Margot thought, 'This girl has already wronged Raelynn once—snatching away her rightful engagement—and now she wants to stir up trouble again?'
"I..."
It was only then that Julia realized how impulsively she'd spoken. She quickly turned to Cecilia, silently pleading for help.
Cecilia's brows drew together in a slight frown.
Truth be told, she didn't think Julia was wrong.
Yes, Raelynn was her biological daughter, and of course she hoped the girl could marry well.
But under no circumstances should her husband come from the Lindsay family again.
And certainly not someone who would outrank Julia's future match.
'If Raelynn married into a more powerful branch of the same family, wouldn't that make Julia look lesser by comparison?' she thought.
With that in mind, she took Julia's hand, helped her bow, and stepped forward with a calm, measured tone.
"Mother, I also believe this match may not be appropriate."
Margot let out a sharp, cold snort. "What's inappropriate? Your foster daughter was good enough for the Marquis's heir, but your own flesh and blood isn't worthy of Lord Shawn?"
The words landed hard, and Cecilia visibly blanched.
She thought, 'How could my mother air such a private family matter—especially in front of Lord Shawn?
'This is exactly the kind of thing that could ruin Julia's future prospects.'
But she didn't dare argue with Margot. Instead, she turned her hopes to Raelynn.
She softened her tone, coaxing gently. "Raelynn, if you truly want to marry, I will find you a good match. Please, don't act out of anger. There's no need to provoke Julia like this."
She thought she was being diplomatic.
After all, Raelynn had just broken off her engagement with Ian, and now she was turning around to marry Shawn. If that wasn't a reaction born of spite, what else could it be?
Cecilia genuinely believed that if she reasoned with her gently, Raelynn would back down—just like she always had in the past.
But instead, Raelynn responded in a quiet, steady voice laced with irony.
"Lady Cecilia, can you name a man better suited than Lord Shawn?"
Cecilia stiffened.
'How am I supposed to respond to that?' she thought.
"B-But... Lord Shawn is Ian's uncle."
'If Raelynn really married Shawn, wouldn't that put Julia in an incredibly awkward position?'
Margot slammed her cane against the floor with a sharp crack. "You only ever think of Julia. But I'm thinking of my granddaughter. Since both Raelynn and Lord Shawn have no objections, then it's settled!"
"Mother!"
"Grandmother!"
Julia looked like she might explode on the spot.