Chapter 687

Given the circumstances, Henry was willing to cooperate. Their son would bear the Kingsley surname, and he would undoubtedly stand united with the Marquis of Grovehill's family in the future.

"I'll talk to them when I get back," Henry promised.

"The Emberfest Festival is approaching. Have you invited Reverend Zane?" Eleanor asked.

"I have. This time, we've invited eight high priests, including Reverend Zane. I'll go personally to escort them early on the day."

Eleanor nodded and said graciously, "Then have your mother come as well, but tell her it's an all-nighter. If she can't handle it, she shouldn't come."

"She can handle it. She's been a devout believer for many years and has always wanted to participate," Henry quickly assured.

Among the ladies attending the festival were Natalie, Mildred, and Hannah—all prominent matriarchs of distinguished families whose husbands or sons held significant positions at court. These women were also known for their compassion and generosity. Since Gemma was familiar with them, her association could greatly benefit the Marquis of Grovehill's sons in the future, reducing their reliance on Eleanor's influence.

Eleanor didn't consider her mother-in-law a truly devout believer. Yet, what mattered more than belief was what one could obtain.

These ladies, except for Natalie, had relinquished their household management roles. Still, whenever they expressed strong opinions, their sons and grandsons remained noticeably attentive and concerned. Their words carried the weight of a fortune.

Thanks to the rituals performed during the Emberfest Festival, these matriarchs had developed a deep respect for Eleanor, except for Natalie, who had criticized the Grand Princess regarding the incident involving Carissa.

The other ladies might have heard rumors, but their compassionate nature prevented malicious speculation. They trusted their own observations and dismissed gossip. Eleanor used this compassion when it suited her, dismissing it as foolishness otherwise. This year, she planned to let Molly and Fiona attend, hoping the kind-hearted matriarchs would see that Yuvan's wife and concubine shared their compassionate spirit. Heather, however, was clueless and timid, and a member of the Sullivan family—potential trouble. It would be best if she didn't attend.

After sending Henry away, Eleanor summoned Captain Kurt, her guard captain, and commanded, "Keep a close eye on Daniel tomorrow. As soon as he leaves the city, abduct him and take him to the carriage. Have the coachman and his servant settled at the estate outside the city, then bring Daniel back."

Outside the door, Florence listened intently, feeling a slight heaviness in her heart. She let out a nearly inaudible sigh, realizing Eleanor had chosen this path. Hector had truly ruined Eleanor's life.

Chapter 687 +25 BONUS

But who could she blame? Marriage required the consent of both parties, and even Augustus hadn't allowed their union.

Florence didn't believe Eleanor truly wanted to bear a son. She saw only how much Daniel resembled Hector. Since she'd never had Hector, Eleanor was deceiving herself.

Since the Duke of Northwatch's family had been exterminated and Melanie Sullivan had died, Eleanor had been unsettled. Perhaps it was because the people she loved and hated most were gone, leaving everything bland and meaningless.

Once Kurt left, Florence entered and gently asked, "Your Highness, are you truly going to do this? You know that no matter how much he resembles General Sinclair, he is not him."

"Of course he isn't," Eleanor said, wrapping herself in her cloak, her eyes devoid of light. "Sometimes, I wonder what the point of all this is. Even if I succeed, my father won't see it, nor will my brother. And Hector certainly won't."

Florence dared not pry or offer opinions.

Eleanor let out a cold laugh. "So, I thought, why not bear a son? A son of the Sinclair family, just to spite him. Wouldn't that be delightful?"

"Your Highness, this is merely an impulsive decision," Florence said softly.

Eleanor's gaze turned icy. "Perhaps. But I can't think of any other way to find happiness. What I truly want to do now is this. Everything else I do will just be for someone else's benefit."