Helen wiped away her tears as she listened to the servants report on the lively scene outside. She could onlyment that she wasn''t an ordinarymoner who was free to join in the festivities. The stories told by the storytellers over the past few days, which had been ryed 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''te out 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 same battle.


    "Come here," Helen said, beckoning to her daughter-inw, who had just bowed to greet her. "Come sit 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-inw''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 of me as your mom, your closest family. I 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-inw, who had always relied on the queen dowager for protection, to say something so maternal to her. Remembering a time when Helen had not been particrly fond of her, Carissa felt like crying at her words now. But in all honesty, her forty-something-year-old mother-inw 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 Carissa 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-inw. 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 pce after I left the capital?"


    "I did, but I didn''t get to see the king. My sister asked me to visit Lady Ruth, who''s fallen ill. As for what my sister discussed with His Majesty, I 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 I went to the pce, my sister said Yuvan should arrive in the capital any day now. Horizon Estate is already undergoing renovations in preparation


    What was meant toe would alwayse.


    After sitting for a while longer, Rafael stood up. "I''ll head to the pce to report in. I''ll be backter 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 married 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 nced at Carissa once before heading out.


    Carissa turned to Helen. "Has Kiera''s dowry been packed and sealed?"


    "Yes, everything has been arranged. Gillian and Luke took care of it all, but I didn''tpletely leave it to them. I personally checked the ledger."


    "Have you visited Kiera''s estate yet?" Carissa asked again.


    "No, I 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.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    "It''s just a residence. There''s nothing much to see. Besides, my sister has already instructed the pce staff to ensure everything is prepared."


    Helen nced outside, where the sun was zing 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 pce staff to get everything right."