Edmund took the tea and turned to look at Theron. "How is Isolde? She wasn't too frightened, was she? Until this is resolved, keep her home from school."
Theron nodded. "Don't worry, Grandfather. I'll take good care of her."
"She's suffered too much in the past, and she's incredibly sensitive. Try to block out the noise from the outside world as much as possible. Ignore the people at the gates for now. Don't give anyone leverage to use against us."
Edmund then turned his stern gaze to Sterling. "They came in swinging, and it's obvious they're targeting you. Isolde is just collateral damage in this crossfire."
Political warfare never cared about the methods, only the results. The Blackthornes had dragged the Whitmores into a treason scandal from three years ago, so the Whitmores retaliated by tossing the Blackthornes into a religious sex scandal.
In Athelvia, followers of the Church of Heavenly Grace made up thirty percent of the population. That meant three out of every ten citizens belonged to the Church. When the scandal broke, the faith of countless people collapsed.
If the Blackthorne family couldn't draw a clear line between themselves and the Church, their reputation would be entirely decimated. A family without public trust would be swiftly removed from the political stage.
*
"Isolde, please open the door. If you're upset, you can tell me. Don't lock yourself in there."
The bedroom was completely dark. Isolde sat with her arms wrapped tightly around her knees, curling herself into a tight ball, completely ignoring the voice outside.
Eleonora didn't dare push too hard. She stood by the door, murmuring softly, "Don't worry, sweetheart. Your grandfather and your father will figure a way out of this."
Mina couldn't take it anymore. She gently supported her mother's arm and whispered, "Mom, you haven't rested all day. Let me help you back to your room."
Eleonora waved her off. "I'm not tired. I just want to stay here with her."
Frustrated and angry, Mina delivered a sharp kick to the door. The loud bang startled both Eleonora and the maid standing nearby.
"Are you out of your mind, Isolde? If this is all the backbone you have, you should pack up and get the hell out of this house right now!"
"Enough!" Eleonora scolded sharply, yanking Mina back. "I will not let you speak to your sister that way!"
"She is not my sister!" Mina yelled back, her voice echoing down the hall. "I have never accepted her. Not as a Blackthorne, and not as your daughter. She fails on both counts! I despise her!"
Eleonora froze, entirely at a loss for words.
Isolde stared directly into Mina's eyes, her fingers tightening into fists. "It's easy for you to say. You've always been the one reaping the benefits. You've never experienced a day of real suffering, so of course you can stand on your moral high ground and judge me. If you were the victim, would you still be acting so pure and righteous?"
Mina let out a cold scoff. "I wouldn't be, but I definitely wouldn't be as bitter and twisted as you are."
Without looking back, she turned and stormed down the stairs.
...

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