Chapter 319

+25 BONUS

Helen pondered all this, a mix of emotions swirling within her. Before his time on the battlefield, Rafael had refused any mention of marriage. The resoluteness in his letters had led her to believe her son intended to remain a bachelor.

Yet, upon his victorious return, he announced his desire to marry Carissa. Granted, Carissa was a divorcee, but at least it meant he was willing to take a wife. Furthermore, after investigation, they discovered Barrett had never consummated the marriage; Carissa was still a virgin, making the union—barely—acceptable.

Accompanied by Gillian, Helen entered the newlywed suite on the building's eastern side. White wedding banners adorned every wall; new furniture was draped in white silk, tied with intricate decorative knots—traditional "Eternal Knots" representing eternal love and harmonious union.

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

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

Stepping into the inner room, she was met with a sea of white and gold. New brocade quilts were neatly stacked on the bed, and bluish-white bed curtains draped to the floor. Though the bride hadn't yet arrived, the room was already comfortably warm.

All the furniture in the newlywed suite was brand new, of a quality no less than that in Helen's own quarters. The only things missing were antique shelves and the antiques themselves.

Rafael had previously hinted that Helen was extravagant and wasteful. However, it seemed this extravagance was reserved for him and his bride.

After circling the room, Helen rubbed her temples and said to Gillian, "I don't like Carissa."

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

Despite her words, Gillian was pleased—Rafael was finally marrying.

"But she seems quite devoted to 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. "Of course, it makes me unhappy! Accepting gifts softens one's stance. She's already made the first move, offering kindness and gifts, elevating my standing. How am I supposed to keep her in line?"

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

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

Chapter 319

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

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

Whatever Helen wanted, they would buy. Even if Helen lacked the funds, spending her son's money was only natural.

Gillian had entered the palace with Helen to serve her; she had been Helen's nanny. Frankly, she saw Helen as a daughter. Having no family to return to, spending her life with Helen suited her perfectly. Besides, she couldn't rest easy without watching over the younger woman.

In Gillian's heart, even as a mother-in-law, Helen remained the baby she had once cradled.

Suddenly, Helen stopped.

"Gillian!" she called. "Do you think Rafael truly loves Carissa?"

She had been suspicious, especially given the grandeur of the wedding. It was far from the casual affair Rafael had described. He might have downplayed it, but everything was executed to the highest standard. The new residence was as luxurious as possible.

Even the betrothal gifts surpassed those given when the king married the queen. Of course, then, the greatest gift was the status of becoming crown princess and eventually queen; material things paled in comparison.

Gillian responded, "If that's true, it's even better. At least the prince would be marrying the one he 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 protect her in everything? What authority will I, as the mother-in-law, have left?"

Gillian tried to reassure her. "We're only guessing. If she were truly the one he loved, why would he have allowed her to marry Barrett in the first place?"