Chapter 1094

Guilt flickered in Yuvan's heart, but so did impatience. "Why do you speak like this, Mother? I cannot remain in the capital, so naturally, I hope the Queen Dowager will be kind and care for you. That way, I won't constantly worry."

"Enough. Don't say any more. Just go. Be safe," Ruth said, waving him away. She had raised this son—how could she not understand his temperament? How could she not see through his facade?

"Mother, forgive my lack of filial duty. The summer heat is unbearable; I cannot take you to my fiefdom. Besides, what would His Majesty think? Even if I've done nothing wrong, his suspicions might lead to accusations."

Ruth simply nodded. "I understand. Go now."

Yuvan nodded, then summoned Molly, Fiona, and his children to bid farewell. Ruth showed little affection towards her daughters-in-law and grandchildren, her expression distant and inscrutable. Once they left, she coughed softly several times.

Oscar Grant, her longtime chamberlain, sensed her distress and sought to comfort her. "The weather is indeed too hot for travel, Your Grace. Taking you along would be detrimental to your health. His Highness is thinking of you. Please, don't dwell on it—it's not worth harming yourself over."

Ruth sighed heavily. "You watched him grow up. How can you not know him? If he were truly dutiful, why didn't he depart for the fiefdom in March or April, when the weather was cooler? Why wait until the height of summer?

"Those fine-sounding reasons—they're mere words. He's always been this way. He avoids necessary actions but excels at finding excuses. He spins a thousand reasons to appear virtuous, to convince others of his righteousness.

"He cherishes his reputation above all else. He won't tolerate even a slight blemish. But with that personality, coupled with his scheming, he's destined to fail. I'm just a woman who knows little of the world, but even I understand that great achievements require letting go of small things. To pursue grand schemes while clinging to a spotless reputation leads to the loss of both."

Oscar quickly hushed her. "Your Grace, please! Such words are treasonous. If overheard, the consequences would be disastrous!"

Ruth waved her hand weakly and offered a bitter smile. "Do you still think it's a secret? With Eleanor's transfer to the Heritage Bureau, many things have come to light. He didn't want me to know, but do I not understand my own son? Or the daughter I raised? Why did Eleanor scheme and plot? Wasn't it all for her brother and her foolish revenge?

"I won't have a peaceful end. I should have passed last year. Instead, I've consumed so much of the palace's fine medicine, not to mention the rare herbs and treasures Yuvan brought from Valken to keep me alive. Was that truly filial duty? No, it was a message to the king—a reminder that Yuvan wouldn't dare act rashly while his mother remained in the capital. But do such petty schemes fool anyone?"

Oscar knelt, his face pale. "Your Grace, please stop. It will only cause you more pain. You've already wept yourself blind in one eye over the former Grand Princess."

Tears streamed down Ruth's face. "She's in the Heritage Bureau, living a life worse than a dog's. Thank goodness she has Florence. Find a way to send her food, or some clothing. Let her live a little more comfortably, won't you?"

"It can't be done, Your Grace. The risk is far too great."

"What is there to fear?" Ruth said with a hollow laugh. "I no longer care whether I live or die. I know I won't see her again. These past two months, while I felt stronger, I made her two sets of clothes. If you can send them, it would fulfill this last parental duty."

She looked at Oscar intently. "I hear you have a younger sister who works with Lady Helen. Beg her for help. We don't need to meet Eleanor—just have your sister deliver the clothes and some pastries. Since she's at Hell Monarch Estate, it should be easier to enlist Prince Rafael's aid."

Oscar knew it was nearly impossible, but the plea in Ruth's eyes softened him. He nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. I will speak to her."

He thought to himself that regardless of Gillian's response, he would return and tell Ruth the clothes and pastries had been delivered.