Chapter 336: Stand By
Isolde pulled open the door, her expression calm but sharp. “Did Allan say what this is about?”
The messenger was Rylen, Allan’s most disciplined and respectful attendant. He bowed slightly before answering. “Lady Isolde, Allan didn’t specify, but someone came to report an incident just before I was sent. It may have to do with Lady Cristina.”
Isolde raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Very well, we’ll be there shortly. Please inform Lord Allan we are on our way.”
As Rylen withdrew, Isolde turned back inside, frowning slightly. “I saw her wound with my own eyes—it was barely a scratch. And yet, she had the audacity to take this all the way to Allan?”
“Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll go alone,” Oliver said, already reaching for his cloak.
“No,” Isolde countered immediately. “This is not your area of expertise. We go together. But remember—this is an inner-court matter. No matter what is said, no matter what they demand, you must not intervene. Even if Cristina begs to become a concubine, all you need to say is, ‘This is for Isolde to decide.’”
Oliver’s brows furrowed. “That would put you in a difficult position.”
“Not at all,” Isolde said coolly. “Just trust me. Allan is a man of rules. He has summoned you only as a courtesy because I only married into the family today. He won’t want you involving yourself in household affairs. He’s calling you to stand by me, not to give an opinion.”
Oliver studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Fine. If you can handle this, I’ll let you. It’ll be a good opportunity for you to establish your authority in the house. But I will say this once—she will never be my concubine. Not now. Not ever. Find a way to make her leave.”
“I know,” Isolde said with a playful smile.
Oliver sighed and pressed his palm against her forehead gently, his eyes filled with warmth—and guilt. “I’m sorry. You just married in, and now you have to deal with all this nonsense.”
Isolde exhaled softly. “It was my own doing.”
Even if Rosemary had orchestrated this, Cristina’s presence in the household was ultimately something she had agreed to.
Oliver’s expression darkened with resolve. “I swear this—there will be no concubines. No second wife. Just you.”
With that, he fastened his cloak and took her hand as they stepped out into the night. The snowfall had grown heavier. The cold wind bit against their faces, harsher than when Isolde had left earlier. Oliver pulled his cloak wider, wrapping Isolde tightly within it as they walked, shielding her from the icy ground beneath them. Hattie had already roused Hazel, and even Esme had come along. Though Hazel and Hattie may not have much to say in front of Allan, Esme was a different story.
When they arrived at Lindgor Chamber, the courtyard was ablaze with lantern light, silhouettes shifting within. Pablo and Margaret’s attendants were stationed outside. That meant Allan had summoned them as well. Rylen opened the doors, ushering them inside. The warmth was immediate—the chamber was heated by an internal firewall, sealing off the bitter cold outside.
Allan sat at the head of the room, his expression as stern as ever. Next to him was a richly dressed woman in her forties, exuding an air of quiet authority. Pablo occupied a seat to the left, while Margaret sat beside him, looking weary. On the floor, kneeling, was Agnes, her shoulders trembling as she wiped away endless tears.
Oliver and Isolde stepped forward, bowing in greeting. Allan’s gaze settled on Isolde, his sharp eyes scrutinizing her. He had not seen her face during the wedding ceremony due to the red veil. Now, as she moved with poise and elegance, her every action was carefully observed.
Once she had finished paying respects, Allan stroked his beard. “Mm. Be seated. Let’s speak.”
They thanked him, then turned to greet Pablo and Margaret before sitting on the right side of the room. Agnes immediately stood and rushed to Isolde’s side, eyes red and swollen. “Isolde, I beg you—please, grant me this one favor!”
Isolde blinked, masking her amusement. Agnes… begging? The ever-proud and untouchable Agnes, whose arrogance knew no bounds? Something didn’t feel right.
“Please, sit,” Isolde said, her tone gentle yet distant. “If this is important, surely Grandfather and Father will see justice done. There’s no need for you to be so distressed.”
Agnes clutched her hand desperately. “This decision lies with you and you alone! My poor Cristina… she has tried to take her own life twice tonight! You must understand—she is a proud woman. She was once engaged to Oliver. To become a concubine was already a blow to her dignity. But now that you refuse to grant her even that title, she has lost all hope. I know you have a kind heart—you won’t let her die, will you? Please, just grant her this status and save her life!”
A slow, amused coldness crept into Isolde’s chest. Ah. So if she refused… she would be letting Cristina die?
“It was a shallow cut—nothing life-threatening. But now you say she attempted again? How?”
Agnes’ eyes flickered. Then, she let out a pitiful sigh. “She was devastated to hear that you refused to acknowledge her. In a moment of despair… she took poison. She is unconscious now.”
“Poison?” Isolde feigned shock. “Has a physician been called? Is she in critical condition?”
“Yes, a doctor has seen her,” Agnes sniffled. “They say she will recover. But Isolde—answer me plainly. Will you grant her this? If you do, I will owe you a great debt. In the future, should you ever need my help, I will not hesitate.”
Isolde glanced at Allan. His expression was unreadable, but there was clear disapproval in his eyes. So, he wasn’t pleased with Cristina’s theatrics. But she was still the sister of a Baron. If she actually died, things could become complicated. If Isolde agreed, Allan could wash his hands of the matter entirely.
She exhaled slowly. “To be honest, this entire thing displeases me greatly.” Her voice carried weight, steady and cold. “Cristina was the one who broke the engagement. Then, she caused a scandal trying to entangle herself with Johnathan. Rosemary was the one who disciplined her, and that is how she ended up in Oliver’s household. Whether or not her position is legitimate can be debated, but one thing is clear—tonight is my wedding night. And yet, she chose this moment to make a spectacle. Oliver and I were wed by the King’s decree. If Cristina had succeeded in dying tonight, it wouldn’t just be our household facing consequences. The Felton family would bear the weight of it as well. Did you consider that?”
Allan’s fingers brushed his beard, his gaze sharp and calculating. He gave an approving nod.
Agnes sighed, shaking her head. “I see what you’re doing. Bringing up the King, twisting the argument in circles… You don’t intend to agree. But Cristina is a stubborn girl. She truly loves Oliver now. What are we supposed to do? Even His Majesty would be moved by her sincerity!”
Then, she turned to Oliver. “Oliver, what do you say?”
Oliver barely lifted his gaze. His voice was indifferent. “Household matters are not my concern. Isolde will decide.”
Agnes froze, her face twisting slightly. “How could you? Husband leads, wife follows! She has just entered the family—what right does she have to decide? If you allow this, and she refuses, she is failing in her duty as a wife!”