Her Majestic Battle Cry

Her Majestic Battle Cry 588

Chapter 588

Helen wiped away her tears as she listened to the servants report on the lively scene outside. She could only

lament that she wasn’t an ordinary. commoner who was free to join in the festivities.

The stories told by the storytellers over the past few days, which had been relayed to her by the servants, had

moved her deeply. Yet, the tears she shed now weren't for the joyful festivities outside.

No, they were because she heard that Carissa had locked herself in her room since returning and hadn't co

for a long time. Helen didn’t have to guess why Carissa was upset. This grand reunion didn’t include her, for her

dad and brothers hadn't fallen in this sbattle.

“Chere,” Helen said, beckoning to her daughter-in-law, who had just bowed to greet her. “Csit by my

side.”

Carissa straightened up and walked over. But before she could properly sit down, Helen reached out and pulled

the younger woman into her arms.

As Helen was seated, that tug resulted in Carissa finding herself kneeling, her face buried in her mother-in-law’s

embrace. Helen's arms wrapped tightly around her, and above her head, Carissa heard the older woman's voice,

choked with emotion.

“You can always think ofas your mom, your closest family. | will always protect you.”

Carissa had initially felt a burst of resistance, trying to pull her face away from Helen's chest to catch her breath.

But after hearing those words, her heart softened instantly. Each word struck her like a blow to her core, leaving

her unable to resist. Her heart felt full, her nose tingled, and her eyes. burned.

She had never expected her mother-in-law, who had always relied on the queen dowager for protection, to say

something so maternal to her. Remembering a twhen Helen had not been particularly fond of her, Carissa

felt like crying at her words now.

T

But in all honesty, her forty-something-year-old mother-in-law had such a firm embrace that Carissa was nearly

suffocating.

Rafael watched the scene unfold and immediately regretted not being the one to give his wife a hug first. Now,

he felt like his mom had stolen this heartfelt moment from him, leaving him frustrated and envious.

Meanwhile, Gillian wiped away her own tears, feeling a deep sense of relief and joy. This was good. Helen had

finally learned how to show care and tenderness.

After the embrace, Helen released Caris and gestured for everyone to sit down.

“Bring the refreshments!” she instructed the servants.

Having expressed her emotions, Helen now felt a deeper connection with her daughter-in-law. But Carissa, on

the other hand, seemed a bit awkward and stiff. Eager to change the subject, she quickly brought up more

pressing

matters.

“Mother, did you go to the palace after | left the capital?”

|

“I did, but | didn’t get to see the king. My sister askedto visit Lady Ruth, who's fallen ill. As for what my sister

discussed with His Majesty, | wasn’t privy to it.”

Rafael looked up. “Lady Ruth is sick?”

“Yes, she’s quite seriously ill. It seems that the summer heat has been too much for her. The royal physicians

have said her condition is not looking good. Yuvan has already submitted a report, requesting the king's

permission to return to the capital with his family to attend to her.”

“Has the king granted permission?”

“I heard that he has. A couple of days ago, when | went to the palace, my sister said Yuvan should arrive in the

capital any day now. Horizon Estate is already undergoing renovations in preparation.”

What was meant to cwould always come.

After sitting for a while longer, Rafael stood up. “I'll head to the palace to report in. I'll be back later to join you

for dinner. By the way, where's Kiera?”

“She’s out with Logan,” Helen replied, waving a hand dismissively. “The wedding date is already set, they'll be

rurried in just a few days. Let them run around as they please. There's no need to keep her confined just

because she’s a princess.”

Rafael didn’t argue. He glanced at Carissa once before heading out.

Carissa turned to Helen. “Has Kiera’s dowry been packed and sealed?”

“Yes, everything has been arranged. Gill and Luke took care of it all, but | didn’t completely leave it to them. |

personally checked the ledger.”

“Have you visited Kiera’s estate yet?” Carissa asked again.

“No, | haven't, but Luke went to inspect it, and everything seems to be in order.”

“We don’t have much to do at the moment. Why don’t we bring Vivi along and go see for ourselves?” Carissa

suggested, still feeling like it was necessary to see for herself.

“It’s just a

a residence. There's nothing much to see. Besides, my sister has already instructed the palace staff to ensure

everything is prepared.”

Helen glanced outside, where the sun was blazing down. She wasn’t eager to step out into the heat and risk

damaging her skin. But when she saw Carissa’s expectant gaze, she relented with a sigh.

“Alright, it wouldn't hurt to take a look. If there's any furniture missing, we can order it now. After all, we can’t

rely solely on the palace staff to get everything right.”