The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 257

Chapter 257 A Natural Social Queen

Queen Isabella’s POV:

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The noisy main hall was left behind, full of sweaty men arguing over paintings. Cindy sensibly invited the other ladies and me into the side hall for tea.

“Mother, please come this way.”

She held my hand with perfect balance-not too eager, not too distant.

The way she said “Mother” sounded so smooth and natural that I surprisingly didn’t feel as resistant as before.

The side hall was arranged with care.

Instead of flashy gold and silver tableware favored by the nouveau riche, it held clean porcelain sets and a few vases filled with wild magnolias.

A light tea fragrance floated through the room. It was this year’s new tribute, “Moonfall Silver,” meant only for the royal family. I hadn’t expected to see it here.

“Please have a seat, ladies.”

Cindy greeted everyone with ease. Whether she was arranging seats or chatting with the socialites, she handled everything neatly, without missing a beat.

“Alicia, I heard you enjoy painting. This is my senior’s sketchbook. Take it and have fun with it.” She handed the booklet to Baron Reynold’s daughter like it was nothing, making the girl light up and look ready to claim her as a sister right then.

“Mrs. Camden, this wellness tea comes from Northmere. It helps with migraines. Please take two packs with you when you leave.”

“Fiona…”

She truly was born for social settings, naturally tending to everyone’s feelings.

She didn’t sound fake or flattering, yet people felt comfortable around her.

I sat at the main seat with my cup, watching her through the rising steam, my expression calm and unreadable.

I had to admit that Cindy was impressive.

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Chapter 257 A Natural Social Queen

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My thoughts drifted to that foolish Hannah. All she knew was how to flatter and beg for favors, yet she couldn’t even speak properly. And Lily? She was arrogant and brainless.

Compared to them, Cindy was a flawless example of what a noble wife should be.

She had a soldier’s decisiveness and a scholar’s elegance. More importantly, she understood when to push forward, when to step back, and where the line lay.

“Mother, try this dessert.”

Cindy personally placed a plate of delicate pastries in front of me. “I asked the chef to make these just for you. I cut back on the sugar and added rose syrup. They won’t be too sweet.”

Looking at the shiny pastries, I felt a mix of emotions.

She even knew my preferences?

I picked one up and took a bite. It melted instantly, sweet but balanced-exactly to my taste.

“Not bad.” I nodded lightly, offering no further praise.

Yet the scales in my heart, once steady, began to sway hard.

If I ignored her past and only judged the current version of her…

She was the Duchess Protector of the Realm, commanding troops of her own. She could help Adam stabilize the kingdom.

She was Oliver’s junior, backed by that terrifying power behind the Wolf Martial Academy.

She was beautiful, dignified, and could handle any occasion. She could even confront that irritating Margaret for me.

Moreover, she seemed genuinely attentive-at least her etiquette was flawless.

A daughter-in-law like that was rare and hard to find.

But…

I remembered how Adam gave up his military authority for her. Then there were those old men who gossiped in private about her being a “second-hand” woman marked by James. The thought made my stomach turn, like swallowing a fly.

Adam was my pride, the future king.

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13:18 Wed, Feb 4 …

Chapter 257 A Natural Social Queen

His queen should be spotless, a noble maiden as pure as blank paper.

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If he married Cindy, his claim to the throne could weaken, and his reputation could be tainted.

Was it worth it?

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