Chapter 593

On the day of Kiera's grand wedding, the Quinton family residence buzzed with activity. The dowry had been delivered to Ivory Estate the previous day, but the ceremony and banquet were held at the Quinton residence. The threshold was nearly worn down by the countless guests.

Before attending the feast, Eleanor allowed Carmen a brief visit to Harmony Palace. Melanie Lester remained imprisoned in the palace dungeon, a place reeking of decay. The door opened for an hour each day to air out the stench—a supposed act of kindness from Eleanor, who claimed it was out of compassion.

However, Melanie wasn't alone. Several other concubines and servants who had fallen out of favor shared her fate. Escape from the dungeon was nearly impossible. The foul odor was tinged with the scent of blood.

As Carmen entered, a wave of revulsion nearly made her nauseous. Pushing past the discomfort, she hurried to her mother's cell.

The cells, built with solid walls, offered no visual contact between inmates. Each had a door with a small bottom window for food delivery. Inmates had no contact with one another.

Each cell contained a bed and toilet, with a monthly bath promised. Eleanor's reasoning was that Henry would visit during bath time, necessitating cleanliness. Inmates who remained silent for a month earned a half-day outside.

Carmen had visited once before, just before her mission, when Eleanor allowed her a glimpse of her mother's suffering.

Greta opened the door, and Carmen rushed inside. A thin, pitiful woman lay on the bed, coughing weakly as she turned. Recognizing her daughter, she struggled to sit up.

"Mom!" Carmen cried, embracing her mother, tears immediately welling. "Didn't they say they'd get you a physician? Why are you coughing so badly?"

Melanie clutched her daughter tightly, her frail body—nothing but bones—channeling immense strength as she nearly squeezed the breath from Carmen.

"I thought I'd never see you again. How are you? Are you alright? And your sister?"

Carmen fought back tears, her voice catching. "I'm doing well, Mom. The Grand Princess treats me kindly."

Melanie's eyes widened in disbelief. She wept, saying, "You coming to see me means she needs you… how?"

Leaning closer, Melanie whispered, trembling, "Don't worry about me. Escape while you can. Go as far away as possible."

Heart aching, Carmen replied firmly, "Don't worry, Mom. I'll complete the Grand Princess's task and get you out of here."

Melanie grasped her daughter's clothing. "Just run away!"

"You just have to trust me." Carmen nodded vigorously, her eyes glinting with resolve. Leaning closer, she whispered, "If Dad comes to see you, persuade him to cooperate with my plan. We have no other options."

Melanie released her grip, her tear-filled eyes watching Carmen with confusion.

"Trust me, Mom. I'll save you…" Carmen took a deep breath and silently mouthed, "And the other concubines."

Then, she spoke louder, "Don't worry. I'll definitely follow the Grand Princess's instructions. If I do everything right, we will be reunited."

Melanie's already gaunt eyes reflected a fresh wave of terror, making her appear even more pitiful.

Carmen nodded confidently. "Mom, remember what I said. I can do this."

She locked eyes with Melanie. The determination in her daughter's eyes was something Melanie had never seen before.

Fear gripped Melanie's heart. She reached out, wanting to dissuade Carmen, to warn her against attempting the impossible—it might lead to destruction, and she might not even know why.

But seeing her daughter's unwavering resolve, Melanie slowly withdrew her hand. Even if she couldn't help, she wouldn't hinder her daughter's efforts. Melanie, Carmen, and Celeste, along with the Lester family, were bound together.

Melanie couldn't afford to die. Otherwise, her daughters would pay with their lives, and the Lester family would face a grim fate. She couldn't die, but she couldn't have a good life either.

In that case, it was time to fight back. After all, they had been pushed to the brink.