Chapter 588
Helen wiped away her tears, listening to the servants' report on the lively scene outside. She lamented her inability to join the festivities as a commoner might.
The storytellers' tales, relayed to her over the past few days, had deeply moved her. However, her current tears weren't for the joyful celebrations outside. They were shed because Carissa had locked herself in her room since returning and hadn't emerged for a long time. Helen understood Carissa's distress: this grand reunion excluded her, as her father and brothers hadn't fallen in the same battle.
"Come here," Helen said, beckoning to her daughter-in-law, who had just bowed. "Come sit by my side."
Carissa straightened and approached. Before she could sit, Helen pulled her into a hug. As Helen was seated, this resulted in Carissa kneeling, her face buried in her mother-in-law's embrace. Helen's arms tightened, and Carissa heard her mother-in-law's choked voice:
"You can always think of me as your mother, your closest family. I will always protect you."
Carissa initially resisted, trying to pull away to breathe. But those words softened her heart instantly. Each one struck her deeply, overwhelming her resistance. Her heart swelled, her nose tingled, and her eyes burned.
She'd never expected her mother-in-law, always reliant on the queen dowager for protection, to show such maternal affection. Remembering Helen's previous coolness towards her, Carissa felt like weeping.
However, her forty-something-year-old mother-in-law's embrace was so firm that Carissa was nearly suffocating.
Rafael watched, immediately regretting not hugging his wife first. He felt his mother had stolen this moment, leaving him frustrated and envious.
Meanwhile, Gillian wiped away her own tears, feeling relieved and joyful. This was good; Helen had finally learned to show care and tenderness.
After the embrace, Helen released Carissa and gestured for everyone to sit.
"Bring the refreshments!" she instructed the servants.
Having expressed her emotions, Helen felt a deeper connection with her daughter-in-law. But Carissa remained awkward and stiff. Eager to change the subject, she quickly brought up more pressing matters.
"Mother, did you go to the palace after I left the capital?"
"I did, but I didn't see the king. My sister asked me to visit Lady Ruth, who's fallen ill. I wasn't privy to my sister's discussion with His Majesty."
Rafael looked up. "Lady Ruth is sick?"
"Yes, quite seriously. The summer heat seems to have been too much for her. The royal physicians are pessimistic. Yuvan has requested the king's permission to return to the capital with his family to attend to her."
"Has the king granted permission?"
"I heard he has. My sister said Yuvan should arrive any day now. Horizon Estate is already undergoing renovations in preparation."
What was meant to come would always come.
After a while, Rafael stood. "I'll head to the palace to report. I'll be back later for dinner. By the way, where's Kiera?"
"She's out with Logan," Helen replied, waving dismissively. "Their wedding date is set; they'll be married in a few days. Let them enjoy themselves. There's no need to confine her just because she's a princess."
Rafael didn't argue. He glanced at Carissa before leaving.
Carissa turned to Helen. "Has Kiera's dowry been packed and sealed?"
"Yes, everything's been arranged. Gill and Luke handled it, but I checked the ledger myself."
"Have you visited Kiera's estate yet?" Carissa asked.
"No, but Luke inspected it, and everything seems in order."
"We don't have much to do. Why don't we bring Vivi and go see for ourselves?" Carissa suggested, feeling it necessary to see for herself.
"It's just a residence. There's nothing much to see. Besides, my sister has already instructed the palace staff."
Helen glanced outside at the blazing sun. She wasn't eager to go out in the heat, but seeing Carissa's expectant gaze, she sighed.
"Alright, it wouldn't hurt to take a look. If any furniture is missing, we can order it. We can't rely solely on the palace staff."