Chapter 396: Undercurrents in Mystic Palace

Just as Queen Catherine was about to leave, a palace maid entered and bowed. “Queen Mother, Consort Ashley has arrived to pay her respects.”

Catherine tilted her head in surprise. “Wasn’t she feeling unwell? How is she well enough to come now?”

“She summoned an imperial physician,” the maid replied. “After receiving treatment, she insisted on coming to fulfill her duty.”

Catherine nodded approvingly. “At least she has some sense, knowing that paying respects takes precedence.”

Queen Mother Thelma had originally considered keeping Ashley waiting outside, but when she noticed Isolde subtly exhaling in relief, she changed her mind. “Let her in.”

Isolde had indeed let out a breath of relief. Catherine’s words were like blades, cutting into the rawest wounds without mercy. She had entered the palace prepared for anything, but just a few careless remarks from Catherine had already shattered her emotional defenses. The woman’s ability to wound without malice was terrifying.

For once, Isolde was genuinely grateful for Ashley’s arrival.

“Drink your medicine,” Thelma reminded her.

Obediently, Isolde took the bowl and downed it in one go. “Thank you, Queen Mother.”

“Feeling any better?”

Before Isolde could respond, Catherine interjected. “How could she feel better so soon? It hasn’t even been a few days. Of course, she’s still grieving. Why must you keep rubbing salt into her wounds? Can we not talk about this anymore?”

Thelma sighed and raised a hand in surrender. “Fine, my mistake. We won’t speak of it.”

Catherine chuckled. “Rare to hear you admit you’re wrong. Almost unheard of.”

Thelma merely rolled her eyes. “Very funny.”

Just then, Ashley entered, accompanied by Vivian. She moved with practiced grace, her curtsy flawless, every gesture refined yet effortless. There was no trace of nervousness—only the quiet confidence of a woman who belonged. She carried herself with such composure that even Catherine was impressed.

“Are you feeling better?” Catherine asked warmly.

Ashley curtsied again. “Thank you for your concern, Queen Mother. I’m much improved.”

Chapter 396: Undercurrents in Mystic Palace

Her response was poised, neither overly humble nor presumptuous. Isolde rose and greeted her. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Ashley turned to her with a pleasant smile. “Ah, Isolde is here as well? You may rise.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Sit,” Catherine said, waving a hand.

Ashley lowered herself onto the seat with the elegance of someone born into nobility.

Catherine studied her intently, then remarked, “Ashley carries herself well—composed, dignified. Just as one would expect from Finnian’s granddaughter.”

“You flatter me,” Ashley replied with perfect humility.

Catherine continued scrutinizing her, then turned to Thelma with a knowing smile. “Tell me, Thelma—doesn’t she remind you of someone?”

Thelma raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure. Who?”

Catherine chuckled. “You truly have no eye for these things. She reminds me of Sophia when she was younger.”

Thelma glanced at Ashley again. “I don’t see it.”

Catherine waved a hand. “Not in features, necessarily. More in demeanor, in presence. And let’s be honest—next to Ashley, Sophia is old.”

Thelma gave her an exasperated look. “You’re quite bold, calling your own daughter-in-law old.”

Catherine sighed dramatically. “Not everyone can be like you, Thelma. You age like a phantom—barely changing at all. What’s your secret? What kind of elixir are you using? You look almost the same as when you first entered the palace!”

Thelma smiled serenely. “A peaceful mind keeps one young—”

Ashley had been prepared for this meeting. She had spent all of last night rehearsing possible questions Thelma might ask—about her family, about her upbringing, even about that iron box. She had crafted careful, seamless answers. Yet Thelma had not spared her so much as a glance. Not a single question. Thelma, it seemed, had no interest in her whatsoever.

At last, Thelma finally spoke. “Isolde, Rosemary spoke to me about the Langley family, and Clark has petitioned the King to allow you to inherit the Duke’s title. What are your thoughts on this?”

Chapter 396: Undercurrents in Mystic Palace

But more than that, the question itself shook her. Isolde inheriting the Duke’s title… what grounds?

Ashley turned to Isolde, waiting for her answer. If she dared to say she wanted it, then she was even more ambitious than Ashley had imagined. A woman inheriting a dukedom? A title passed through generations of noblemen? Even if the title had no real power, its significance was undeniable.

If Isolde became a Duchess in her own right, her influence would grow exponentially. She was already dangerous. Give her three years, and she would become a force to be reckoned with. Ashley thought back to their past encounters, to the quiet threats hidden behind Isolde’s every word. If she was allowed to rise unchecked, she could become a true obstacle to Ashley’s own ambitions.

Isolde met Thelma’s gaze and replied evenly, “Clark has spoken to me about it. But this is not a matter of what I want.”

Ashley nearly choked. Not a matter of what she wants? That was as good as admitting she was open to the idea! Ashley clenched her fists beneath the table, seething. But before she could speak, Catherine spoke first.

“A woman inheriting a dukedom? That has never been done. Even if Geoffrey had no sons, there are still other male heirs—Clark, Vance, Braden. And if they are unsuitable, then others in the family can be chosen. How can a daughter inherit over them? It is against tradition.”

Ashley exhaled slowly, relieved. Catherine had said exactly what she herself could not. No precedent. No justification. But Thelma only raised an eyebrow.

“Was there ever a precedent for a woman ruling from the throne?” she asked casually.

Catherine hesitated. “That was… different. There was no choice.”

“Wasn’t there?” Thelma said smoothly. “The Conway family had no other men?”

Catherine faltered, memories flickering across her face.

Chapter 396: Undercurrents in Mystic Palace

Thelma smiled knowingly. “Ah, but as you say, Queen Mother, these matters are beyond your concern. Best leave it to us.”

Catherine forced a laugh. “Yes, yes. I know better than to argue with you.”

Ashley sat frozen, processing everything. She had expected Catherine to be a dominant force in the palace, but now… she wasn’t so sure. If Catherine was constantly on the defensive against Thelma, that was good. Resentment could fester. And resentment, properly nurtured, could be useful.