Her Graceful War Song

Thinking about all of this, Helen felt a mix of emotions.

When Rafael was on the battlefield before this, he would refuse any mention of marriage. The resoluteness he expressed in his letters had led her to believe that this son of hers was prepared to remain a bachelor for life.

Yet, as soon as he returned victorious, he announced he wanted to marry Carissa.

Granted, Carissa was a divorcee, but at least it meant he was willing to take a wife. Besides, after investigating, they found out that Barrett had never touched her. She was still a virgin, so it was acceptable, if only barely.

Accompanied by Gillian, Helen entered the newlywed suite on the eastern side of the building. White wedding banners adorned every wall, and new furniture was draped in white silk, tied with intricate decorative knots. The intricate knots were a traditional wedding touch, and they were called Eternal Knots, which represent eternal love and harmonious union.

Nearly every new item had a white ribbon on it. Even the large folding screen had a white shawl draped around and tied in the middle with a big, intricate bow.

Helen muttered to herself, "So many Eternal Knots-did I give birth to a son or a daughter? Why is it all so feminine?"

As she stepped into the inner room, she was met with a sea of white and gold. New brocade quilts were neatly stacked on the bed, and the bluish-white bed curtains draped to the floor. Though the bride had yet to be brought in, the room was already heated, making it comfortably warm.

All the furniture in the newlywed suite was brand new, and the quality was no less than what Helen had in her own quarters. The only things missing were the antique shelves and the antiques themselves. Rafael had previously hinted that Helen was too extravagant and wasteful. Yet, it seemed that it was because the extravagance was reserved for him and his bride.

Helen made a round of the room, then rubbed her temples and said to Gillian, "I don't like Carissa."

Gillian smiled and replied, "My lady, I think everyone can see that.”

Despite her words, Gillian was actually pleased-after all, Rafael was finally getting married.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

"But from the looks of it, she seems quite devoted towards me. She's sent me several of Kyle's paintings."

Gillian responded, "Isn't that a good thing? Why would that make you unhappy?"

Helen's eyes narrowed as she snapped, "Of course, it makes me unhappy! When you accept someone's gifts, it softens your stance. She's already made the first move, offering kindness and gifts, and she even elevated my standing. How am I supposed to keep her in lines.

Gillian chuckled. "That's a separate matter altogether. Keeping her in line is still necessary. After all, what daughter-in-law doesn't have to follow the rules when she enters the household?"

Helen nodded in agreement. "You're right. It's only natural for me to make sure she follows the rules. No matter how many gifts she gives me, the rules must not be broken."

She

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cast another glance around the newlywed suite, her frustration evident. "In a few days, I'll go pick out some more furniture. The chaise lounge in my room is uncomfortable. It should be made of cherry wood for it to be the best."

"Then we'll replace it," Gillian replied with a smile, accompanying Helen out.

Whatever Helen wanted, they would buy. After all, even if Helen didn't have the money, it was only natural to spend her son's money.

Gillian had entered the palace with Helen to serve her. In truth, Gillian had been Helen's nanny. To put it bluntly, she saw Helen as her daughter. Gillian had no family to return to, so spending her life with Helen suited her just fine. Besides, she couldn't rest easy without watching over the younger woman.

In Gillian's heart, even though Helen was now a mother-in-law, she was still the same baby she had once cradled in her arms.

Suddenly, Helen stopped in her tracks.

"Gillian!" she called out. "Do you think it's possible that the woman Rafael truly loves is Carissa?"

She had been suspicious for some time now, especially after seeing the grandeur of this wedding. It was far from the casual marriage Rafael had claimed it would be. He might have downplayed it, but everything had been carried out to the highest standard. The new residence was as luxurious as it could be.

Even the betrothal gifts had outshone those given when the king married the queen. Of course, back then, the greatest gift in marrying the king was the status of becoming the crown princess and eventually the queen. Material things were of much less importance compared to that title.

Gillian responded, "If that's true, then it's even better. At least the prince would be marrying the one ha truly loves."

But Helen shook her head, her worry deepening. "That might not be good. If she's the one Rafael cherishes most, won't he end up protecting her in everything once she's through the door? What authority will I, as the mother-in-law, have left?"

Gillian tried to reassure her. "We're only guessing here, so let's not jump to conclusions. If she were truly the one he loved, why would he have allowed her to marry Barrett in the first place?"