Chapter 30
As they left the king’s study, both Gabriel and Benedict wore unreadable expressions
Benedict let out a heavy sigh. “Father, this is my fault. I failed to keep Eliza in check”
He couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe she’d made such a drastic decision because he’d been too harsh with the whip that day.
He thought bitterly, Fifty Lashes–it’s only natural she’d hold a grudge. But this! This is just unreasonable. If she felt wronged, why couldn’t she have just spoken up? Why go to such extremes?”
Even after everything the king had said, Benedict still didn’t grasp Eliza’s true reasons for leaving the Stonor family.
Gabriel was just as blind to it. He waved a dismissive hand. “It’s not your fault. We’ve been too lenient with her spoiling her to the point that she’s forgotten her place and dares to act so outrageously.”
“At least His Majesty was
y was generous enough to give us another chance, considering your position, Benedict said, his expression easing slightly. “Indeed. Now, go after her carriage immediately. You must bring her back before she reaches Saint Grace Nunnery. We can’t let this turn into an even bigger scandal, Gabriel ordered.
Their trip to the palace hadn’t been in vain. The king had relented, saying that in light of the Stonor family’s loyal service to the crown, he would grant them one last chance. If they could convince Eliza to retum, he would withdraw the decree.
Without wasting time, Benedict spurred his horse and rode off toward Mount Westin, and Gabriel returned to the estate to await news.
What neither of them knew was that as soon as the carriage left the city, Eliza had been urging Nolan to pick up the pace, desperate to reach Saint Grace Nunnery as quickly as possible.
Trince Nolan, could you have the convoy go faster? As fast as possible? Eliza asked politely, peering out from behind the carriage curtain at Nolan riding ahead. He sat tall on his home, reins in one hand, exuding effortless control.
“Faster!” Nolan raised an eyebrow. “Any faster, and we’ll be flying. Lady Eliza, are you that eager to become a nun?
Wahout hesitation. Eliza replied, “If I say yes, will you speed up?”
Nolan glanced back, noticing the small face peeking out, her bright eyes fixed on him with an almost pleading look
“Fine” he said with a smirk, then gave the order.
The entire convoy, including the Jack Flag soldiers, immediately picked up speed.
“Thank you, Prince Nolan, Eliza said, gripping the carriage edge as she pulled back inside. Then she hesitated and added, “Soon, I won’t be Lady Eliza of the Stonor family anymore. You don’t need to call me that.”
Nolan considered this for a moment. He was about to call her Holy Lady of Walden, but something made him change his mind. His lips curved slightly, and amusement thickered in his lazy gaze. “Then I’ll call you Serenity.”
Kluza blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before realizing he was referring to the religious name given to her in the king’s decree.
Sull, something about the way Prince Nolan said “Serenity” Icht off.
Before Eliza could dwell on it, Nolan’s voice rang out from the front. “Get back inside and hold on tight. The road ahead is rough–you don’t want to go flying out”
He wasn’t exaggerating. The ride was so bumpy that the carriage nearly tossed her out several times.
thas was exactly what she had asked for. Even though every jolt sent pain shooting through her already injured back, Eliza clenched her teeth and endured it without a word.
The convoy’s speed made a real difference. While it had taken James an hour to reach Mount Westin last time, this time, it took only half an hour before the carriage jerked to a sudden stop-
(e’re here” Nolan called
Cuza was so dizzy from the ride that she had to take a moment to steady herself before pulling back the curtain and stepping out.
Nolan remained on las horse, watching as she carefully climbed down. He held a riding crop in
crop in one hand but made no move to help her.
Only after Eliza had steadied herself on the ground did Nolan hnally speak. “By Ilis Majesty’s order, I’m to escort you inside and witness the completion of your vows before I leave Shull wel”
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Chapter 30
“Of course. Thank you for going through the trouble, Prince Nolan, Eliza replied without much thought.
Given her unique status as a Holy Lady taking vows for the good of the country, it seemed natural that the king would send Nolan to oversee things.
Nolan dismounted, gave a brief order for the Black Flag soldiers to remain outside, and led Eliza into Saint Grace Nunnery.
Soon, Eliza was brought before Mary, Eliza was surprised that Nolan seemed so familiar with Saint Grace Nunnery, but she didn’t dare ask about it.
Inside, Mary and several others were already waiting in front of the crucifix in the main hall
As Eliza knelt, Mary approached, studying the young girl’s face. After a moment, she sighed and asked once
ce more, “Are you certain you won’t regret
“I won’t,” Eliza said with a faint smile. “His Majesty allowing me to be here is a great blessing. From now on, I will pray sincerely for the country and its people.”
And for herself, she thought.
Meanwhile, outside the nunnery gates, Benedict arrived in a rush–only to find the doors already shut. There was no way to force his way in.
Men weren’t allowed to enter Saint Grace Nunnery uninvited, and with the Black Flag soldiers standing guard, there was little he could do.
On the way over,
ay over, Nolan had sensed that Eliza wanted nothing more than to escape the Stonor family–otherwise, she wouldn’t have endured such a grueling journey just to get here faster.
So, without much thought, he had casually ordered, “Don’t let any unauthorized persons inside Saint Grace Nunnery”
And, of course, the “unauthorized” included the Stonor family.
Left with no other option, Benedict shouted from outside as loudly as he could, “Elizat Eliza, come out! His Majesty is giving you another chance! If you come back and apologize, you won’t have to go through with this! Eliza, do you hear me? Eliza!”
But even as his mouffled shouts reached the main hall, Eliza didn’t so much as flinch. She went through the ceremony without hesitation, her expression calm and unchanged.
When it was done, she changed
nun’s habit and proceeded with her final vows
Mary placed a hand on her shoulder. “God bless you. From this day forward, you are no longer Eliza of the Stonor family, but Serenity,”
Eliza tilted her head back, her gaze landing on the crucifix above the altar.
She closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and whispered, “God bless us all.”
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