Chapter 497
The two friends chatted late into the night. After the battles on the Southern Frontier, Violet had matured considerably. Living in the capital had broadened her understanding of powerful families and their affairs. She realized the world was far more complex than it had seemed in Meadow Ridge.
Life in Meadow Ridge had been idyllic. Her days were filled with mischief—walking dogs, teasing cats, hunting snakes, and chasing wild boars. The worst she'd ever experienced was a beating from rival guild apprentices.
As they talked, sleepiness overcame them. Violet rolled over, casually draped a leg over Carissa, and yawned. "I envy your mother-in-law. Lady Helen is so protective of you."
"I know."
"Maybe I should marry the marshal, then—"
Before Violet could finish, Carissa kicked her off the bed. Violet jumped up, laughing as she playfully pummeled Carissa.
"I was kidding! Did you really think I was serious? Besides, Lady Helen wants me as her goddaughter. I'm just making her wait."
Carissa blocked Violet's punches with her elbows, then pinned her to the bed with a leg across her neck. "I'm exhausted. Sleep!"
Violet struggled briefly, then flopped back down, wriggling under the thin blanket. "Fine, I'll sleep. I'm tired."
The next day, Carissa took Kiera and Violet shopping. Their first stop was The Golden Tower to browse the latest fashions. While they could have had the new items sent to their residence, Kiera preferred seeing a wider selection. She’d been cooped up at home and craved a day out.
Although the palace had provided jewelry for Kiera's wedding, Carissa felt it wasn't enough. Kiera, like any young woman, wanted more.
Who doesn't love beautiful jewelry?
After breakfast, Lady Helen returned to bed. When lunchtime arrived and the three hadn't returned, she sent someone to find them. To her shock, she learned they'd gone shopping without her.
They went without me?
Helen was incredulous. How dare they? To ignore someone of her stature was outrageous!
Storming out, she muttered, "Janice served me for years, and I treated her generously. Now they go shopping without inviting me? They'll regret it!"
Chapter 497 (continued)
Gillian and Mindy hurried after her. "Where are you going, Your Grace?"
"To the palace! I don't need them for company!" Helen snapped.
+25 BC (This seems out of place. Consider removing or better integrating it into the narrative.)
The Golden Tower, located on South Street, was a well-established shop with a renowned reputation. Their designs were unique, surpassing even those of the palace craftsmen. Many palace concubines patronized the shop.
The young heir, adept at marketing, produced limited-edition items. Though the profit margin on each piece wasn't high, it maintained the store's prestige—a far more valuable asset. The three-story building housed affordable items on the first floor, higher-end goods on the second, and limited-edition pieces on the third. Even the first-floor items were special, simply for bearing the Golden Tower name.
After their carriage arrived, the driver waited outside while Carissa, Kiera, and Violet entered, hand in hand.
The moment they stepped inside, Carissa frowned. She recognized some old acquaintances.
The spacious first floor was divided into three halls. To reach the second floor, they had to use the staircase on the right, near a display case where several women stood. Carissa recognized Rebecca, Viola, and Serena.
They were engrossed in their shopping and hadn't noticed Carissa's arrival. Carissa wanted to avoid them, but Nathaniel, the young heir, spotted her.
He rushed over, his youthful face beaming with excitement. "Your Grace! The Hell Monarch's princess consort! I saw you during the victory parade and never imagined you'd visit! Forgive my tardiness in greeting you!"
His words drew the attention of the three women.
Chapter 498
The improved passage corrects grammatical errors, improves sentence structure, and enhances clarity. The awkward "+25 BC" needs to be either removed or integrated smoothly into the narrative.