Chapter 206: Mystic Palace
Sadie patted Isolde’s hand reassuringly. “Look, all I can say is, he’s still alive. Just hang in there. He should be okay.”
A tight knot formed in Isolde’s stomach. She knew this wasn’t a good sign. Fighting to keep her emotions in check, she asked, her voice steady but laced with concern, “What’s his condition now?”
Sadie shrugged slightly, her face unreadable. “I don’t know. All I can tell you is that he’s still breathing.”
It was something, at least. He was alive. That was all she could hold onto for now. Whether he’d be the same, though… she wasn’t sure she could handle that thought.
Isolde turned and walked ahead, her thoughts spiraling. He had always been the one who lived for battle, the one who thrived on the frontlines. But if he couldn’t even stand, what future would he have? What if he lost a limb? Or worse…
Her mind raced through all the possible outcomes. She tried, desperately, to cling to some hope, but the thought gnawed at her: if it wasn’t serious, he would have been back by now.
Earlier, Doug had mentioned Regent Bradley Clarke leaving. Could it be news from him? Maybe the Regent could help.
They reached the Violet Palace, where Queen Catherine resided. Sadie led Isolde inside to meet her. Isolde took a deep breath, gathering her scattered thoughts, and followed.
Inside, the palace bustled with activity. Maids scurried around, some carrying trays of pastries, others with tea. It was clear that guests were already present.
As they climbed the stone steps, a gray-haired matron greeted them with a warm smile. She nodded politely to Sadie before turning to Isolde. “Princess Isolde.”
Isolde returned the greeting, her curiosity piqued. “Hi, ma’am.” How does this woman know me? I’ve never been here before.
The maid smiled and turned to Sadie. “Princess Sadie, you’ve finally arrived. The Queen Mother’s been asking for you. She said if you didn’t show up soon, she’d send someone to drag you here.”
Sadie chuckled softly. “How could I trouble the Queen Mother like that? I woke up early, but then Father had a coughing fit, and Mother got all worried. She asked me to prepare some medicine, so that delayed me.”
The maid raised an eyebrow, concerned. “Is the Marquis alright?”
Sadie waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, he’s fine. It’s just the dry autumn air playing tricks on him. Mother’s just being overprotective.”
The maid smiled knowingly. “Lady Rosemary really cares about him.”
As they entered the hall, Isolde saw a few elegantly dressed women seated, accompanied by two young girls who looked uneasy, standing by their mothers.
In the center, sitting on an ornately carved chair, was Queen Mother Thelma. Her silver hair was pulled back neatly. A grille bracelet hung around her neck, each bead inscribed with intricate figures. Though her skin had darkened with age, and lines etched her face, there remained a formidable beauty. Word had it that, in her youth, Catherine had been even more striking, though the years had been kind.
Isolde dared not stare. She quickly knelt. “Greetings, Queen Mother. May you have a long life.”
“Ah, so you’re Isolde Langley?” Thelma’s voice was rough, yet commanding.
Isolde, ever respectful, answered, “Yes, Your Majesty. I am Isolde Langley.”
“Look at me,” Catherine ordered.
Isolde hesitated but slowly raised her head, keeping her gaze downward, unsure whether she was allowed to meet the Queen Mother’s eyes.
Catherine studied her carefully, then nodded. “Hmmm, yes. You look just like your mother.”
Sadie smiled, stepping in. “My lady, how long is Isolde supposed to kneel like this? It’s the first time we’ve met; don’t make it too hard on her.”
Catherine chuckled. “You little brat, you haven’t even married into the Langley family yet, and you’re already looking out for your future sister-in-law. Fine, I won’t make things difficult for her, Isolde.”
The ladies around them burst into laughter.
Isolde stood up, thanking her, and stole a quick glance at Sadie. She thought the princess might be embarrassed, but her expression barely flickered before she let out a soft chuckle. What a remarkable woman, Isolde thought to herself.
With many guests still arriving, the chrysanthemum banquet hadn’t officially started yet. At the maid’s urging, Isolde and Sadie stepped outside the palace. Sadie turned to her and said, “Let’s take a little stroll. I’m going to pay my respects to the Queen Mother.”
Isolde really wanted to follow, but she recalled that her master had other plans and had instructed her to keep an eye on things. If Thelma was displeased, it might affect Sadie’s standing. She couldn’t allow that.
“Alright, go ahead. I’ll walk around and admire the flowers,” Isolde said with a smile.
Sadie nodded but then looked back at her after taking a couple of steps. “You like flowers?”
“I do. I grew up in a manor. How could I not appreciate flowers and plants?” Isolde replied, a gentle smile tugging at her lips.
Sadie Bourbon considered this for a moment before saying, “Come with me to the Queen Dowager’s palace. There are some rare flowers there. But… you can only look at the ones outside. She doesn’t like strangers poking around her private space.”
Isolde hesitated. “How about I skip it?”
Sadie’s expression softened. “Come on, let’s go.”
Chapter 206: Mystic Palace
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away. Isolde debated for a split second, then decided to follow.
Queen Dowager was staying in the Mystic Palace, which was a fair distance from the Violet Palace. The two walked slowly, and it took them about the time it would take to burn an incense stick to get there.
Outside the Mystic Palace, a black plaque displayed the name “Mystic Palace,” and the bright red doors were studded with brass nails in perfect alignment—an impressive sight. There were no attendants in sight as they crossed the threshold, but a friendly-looking woman in gray approached.
Isolde quickly glanced at her and realized this must be Judith, the person Esme had mentioned.
As expected, Sadie smiled and greeted her warmly. “Judith, it’s been a while. You look… younger somehow.”
“Aww, Princess, you always know how to flatter. I’m just getting older with grace,” Judith replied with a smile. “Come on, go in. Queen Mother’s been waiting for you.”
“Yes, I’ll be right in. Aunt, this is the Princess of Cromwell. Could you show her around the courtyard?” Sadie added.
Judith turned her gentle gaze to Isolde. “Ah, so it’s the County Princess. Forgive my lack of formality earlier.”
Isolde gave a polite bow. Once Sadie entered, Judith led Isolde to the courtyard.
Sadie was right—there were all kinds of rare flowers and plants in Thelma’s garden, some of which Isolde had never seen before despite growing up surrounded by gardens. But her mind wasn’t really on the flowers. She was trying to figure out how to strike up a conversation with Judith and get her to recommend an audience with Thelma. However, her mind was not on the strange flowers and plants. Instead, she was thinking about how to start a conversation with Judith so that she could recommend her to meet the Queen Mother.
“So, how’s Esme?” Judith asked, breaking the silence.
Isolde hadn’t expected the question. She recalled that Esme had also served the Queen Mother before. The two of them must be very familiar with each other.
She quickly replied, “She is well. When I entered the palace today, she told me to make sure to send her regards to you and Rowena.”