Chapter 215
Chapter 215
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“You? What are you doing here today?” Eliza asked, surprise flashing in her eyes as she turned to face Nolan.
She knew the Midwinter Feast was an annual celebration, with a grand banquet hosted for the court.
But this year, she hadn’t attended. After all, she was no longer the Stonor family’s legitimate daughter.
The king had sent someone to invite her, but she had politely declined.
Since she had already taken vows as a nun, she felt there was no reason to participate in a secular banquet–especially one where her presence wasn’t truly required
And while the King had said he didn’t mind, she knew all too well how the court loved to gossip. She didn’t want to bring him unnecessary trouble.
The banquet’s over, Nolan said, “and what’s left is just post–dinner entertainment–not worth my time. I figured I’d rather come here and have a drink with you.”
Eliza raised an eyebrow. I don’t drink”
I know. Nolan replied, smiling slightly. That’s why I brought you some good coffee instead.
He lifted the cup in his hand. “Would you do me the honor of sharing a cup?”
It had been a while since she’d seen him this proper. Eliza couldn’t help but chuckle. “The honor’s all mine.”
They sat down together. Nolan poured her a cup and handed it over once it had cooled just enough to be perfect. Eliza took it offered a polite nod, and took a sip.
The moment the rich aroma and delicate bitterness hit her tongue, her eyes lit
- up.
This is the finest blend,” she said. “How did you get your hands on the royal reserves?”
“I had a cup at the banquet. Nolan replied, “and I thought you’d like it. So I asked the King for a few boxes–and brought them all here for you.”
Eliza’s cheeks flushed. She did like the coffee. She just hadn’t expected Nolan to know her taste this well.
Nolan shrugged. “Too light for me. Doesn’t wake me up enough
Eliza paused, suddenly reminded of his illness. “Strong coffee isn’t good for your health,” she said softly. “If you’re not feeling well, come find me
She gave him a teasing smile. “We made a deal, remember? You help me, I help you. And reciting a few scriptures is the easiest part.”
It had been days since she last recited The Magnificat for him.
“As long as you don’t mind. Nolan said, smiling faintly, his gaze fixed on her.
“Mind what?” Eliza asked, puzzled.
He didn’t explain–just shook his head. “Nothing”
There was no need to say it out loud. Being able to visit her from ti already the best outcome he could ask for.
time to time, hear her voice, sit beside her–that was
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Chapter 215
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They didn’t linger long. Nolan left the rest of the coffee for her. Before leaving, he mentioned the King’s latest arrangements regarding Sophie.
“Shell probably behave herself for a while, he said.
Elza raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment.
She didn’t believe Sophie would suddenly grow a conscience–and frankly, she didn’t want her to.
She wanted Sophie to keep walking straight toward ruin, and when the time came. Eliza would be the one to push her over the edge.
And if Sophie didn’t walk there on her own. Eliza would gladly dig the pit and drag her down.
As for the Stonor family? Not a single one of them would escape.
Tve come to see my sister. Benedict said. “Could you help me c
call her out fo
for a moment?”
I promise. I mean her no harm, he insisted. “As her older brother, I swear on the Stonor name–if I so much as step past the gate without permission, may I be struck down by lightning”
For half an hour, Benedict pleaded outside the gate until the nuns–clearly annoyed–relented and agreed to pass along his
Unfortunately for him, delivering a message didn’t mean Eliza would agree
e to meet him.
But Benedict wasn’t about to give up. “Please,” he begged, just try again. I only want to see her–just once.” “No,” one of the elder nuns said firmly. “She said no, and no means no. Stop wasting your time and go home.” They already disliked the Stonor family. They had no intention of letting Benedict loiter at their gates any longer. What they didn’t expect was that he would return the next day–and the day after that.
Every afternoon, as soon as his c
court duties were over, he came straight to the nunnery. He didn’t even return home. He just stood at the gates, knocking, waiting
Eventually, the nuns had no choice but to pass his message along again.
Sarah, looking utterly exasperated, said, “He’s driving everyone crazy. He hasn’t trespassed, but he’s been here every day. He won’t stop until you meet him.”
Eliza had just finished brewing a new poison with Mary. As she removed her veil and washed her hands, she said calmly, “Alright. You can head back. I’ll take care of it.
Sarah finched at the word “take care.” “Eliza, don’t overreact, okay? Sure, he’s annoying, but at least he hasn’t drugged anyone. Compared to the last two, he’s not the worst. Just send him away–gently
Eliza smiled. “Relax. I know what I’m doing.”
She already knew why Benedict was here. Of course it was about her mother’s remains. But Caroline had already been laid to rest, and even it she hadn’t, Eliza would never hand her over. He was wasting his time.
“Eliza Benedict’s eyes lit up when he saw here
Temerge.
“You finally agreed to see me.” he said, stepping forward eagerly. “Look–today I went to Dinsica House and bought you your favorite pistachio cake. It’s still warm.”
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Chapter 215
“Pistachio cake?” Eliza’s gaze landed on the small, steaming box in his hands, her expression unreadable.
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After Sophie entered the Stonor family, Benedict had been the first–aside from their father–to abandon Eliza. He poured all his love and guilt onto Sophie instead.
This was the first time since taking Sophie’s side that he’d come to her like this, bearing gifs, trying to please her.
“Benedict,” Eliza said suddenly.
Hearing her call him by name–just like she used to–sent a jolt of emotion through him. His heart surged with hope.
But then came her next words, calm and laced with icy amusement,
“I don’t remember when my tastes changed,” she said. “Because last I checked, pistachio was the one flavor I’ve always hated.” Benedict’s face fell. The smile that had just formed froze mid–expression, awkward and painful.
Ba
