hapter 47 Quiet Winter Promises 57 +20 Free Coins Pearl Winters let her gaze shuttle between the two ; nothing improper passed between Fiona and Xavier , yet they fit together with almost startling harmony . " Look after your mistress , " Xavier called over his shoulder before merging with the column of guards . Pearl Winters gave a silent huff . He orders me around like household staff ; anyone listening would think he's already our future master . She had to admit , though , Xavier cut a striking figure - every bit the equal of those refined heirs parading through the Zonfrillo Estate . " No wonder half of Jexburgh keeps prying into the Luthor Estate . They've clearly set their sights on Mr. Xavier . " " Where did you hear that bit of news ? " Fiona asked , her voice steady but her lashes trembling ever so slightly . Pearl Winters curtsied , her winter - blue cloak brushing the floor , hastily wetting her lips before speaking . " Madam Joanna's maid Jenna told me . It seems a young lady from the Ronson Estate has set her sights on Mr. Xavier , and Madam Gloria has begun asking around about him . " Fiona felt the pieces click into place . So that was why Mindy had glared daggers at her during Naomi's birthday feast - Mindy , too , coveted Xavier . A knot of emotions twisted inside her - jealousy , uncertainty , a prickling pride . He is not yet engaged . Even if he favors me a little , that cannot keep others from offering him their smiles . And who knows whether I will be allowed to choose him at all ? If he truly studies and strives only to win promotion for me ... The thought ached and thrilled her in equal measure . Yet she was , at her core , a daughter of the Niven family , and duty would forever outrank desire , In the blink of an eye , New Year's Eve arrived , that night when , as the proverb promised , spring is welcomed and the old year laid to rest . The Niven estate draped itself in red - fresh couplets pressed against every doorframe , lanterns swaying like small suns , servants laughing as they hurried through corridors scented with pine and sweet wine . Ulrich had come home the day before , documents still unresolved in his travel trunk . But tonight he shoved every worry aside , rolled up his sleeves , and joined the bustle , fetching coals , hanging garlands , laughing louder than anyone . 1/4 14:47 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 47 Quiet Winter Promises B 57 +20 Free Coins As tradition dictated , the reunion dinner unfolded in the Ambrosial Garden , the pavilion warmed by braziers and grandmother Hannah's smile . Everyone appeared - save Rita , away with her husband , and Vincent , who couldn't make it back . Even the two concubines from the main branch had been summoned : Isabel , all languid allure , and young Monica , fresh as dew . Isabel's honeyed tongue and supple temper had long secured her favor ; not even six months of house arrest ordered by Joanna could dull her shine before Stanley . Isabel glided forward the moment Fiona entered , her smile as bright as the lacquered peony pinned at her temple . " You are to attend the palace later tonight ; this festive ensemble could not be more perfect , " she cooed , leaving her own daughter Lilith standing forgotten by the doorway . Fiona drew Lilith into the light with a gentle tug . " Lilith looks splendid today as well ," she said , admiring the lotus - pink gown and the youthful knot of hair that made the girl resemble a budding blossom . Lilith's cheeks warmed . She flashed Fiona a shy , grateful smile , the sort that spoke volumes without spilling a single word . Isabel's lashes fluttered in false modesty . " Oh , Lili is ill - read and , after all , only a concubine's child . She could never compare with you , Ms. Fiona , " she laughed , masking disdain as humility . Hannah frowned . " Nonsense about legitimate or otherwise . Every girl here is my granddaughter . Look at Lili . She dresses with care and is a beauty in her own right . Pay attention to her more often . Had I not ordered measurements taken , she would have no new clothing at all . " Earlier , spurred by Fiona's quiet counsel , Lilith had sought Hannah out , admitting she lacked proper gowns . The confession had pricked the old lady's heart , and she immediately ordered a seamstress to begin . Hearing Hannah defend her again , Lilith's eyes shimmered . She wiped at them quickly with the back of her hand , unwilling to smudge the rouge at their corners . Joanna let out a silent snort . Isabel truly is a fool - she will not even shield her own child. Let her remain stupid ; the spectacle amuses me . She merely curved her lips and offered no comment . Chastened , Isabel offered a string of acquiescent yeses , though not before shooting Lilith a venomous sideways glance . Wanting no discord on New Year's Eve , Hannah shifted the conversation to blessings . " We have 2/4 14:47 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 47 Quiet Winter Promises : much to celebrate - Rita's pregnancy and Fiona's triumph in the archery trials . " A57 57 +20 Free Coins Indeed , the Niven household had weathered the year with rare harmony , and all prayed the coming seasons would be just as kind . Because Fiona still had to present herself at the Imperial Palace that night , the feast broke up earlier than usual , the guests dispersing . Isabel sidled toward Stanley , her voice pitched in a sugary whine . " Would you walk with me a while? I ate far too much and need to stretch my legs ." Stanley's gaze flicked to Joanna , aware that propriety demanded he remain at his principal wife's side on so formal a night . Candlelight spilled across the lacquered corridor , catching the sheen of Isabel Zimmer's lavender silk as she dipped into a practiced half - curtsy in front of Stanley . " It has been far too long since you last visited me , and I have but one , tiny request , " she said , her voice a breathy plea meant to flatter as much as it begged . She understood all too well that without softening the master's heart , the hope of bearing a son would remain a dream no prayer could touch . Stanley's stern expression loosened the moment he saw her lowered gaze . A sigh left his chest , resignation wrapped in weariness as he decided to accompany Joanna later that night . " Very well . Let's go ." Joanna felt the fire of anger claw up her throat , but the perfect smile she arranged on her lips suggested only gracious acceptance . She played the role of magnanimous hostess so well that the fury inside her seemed almost someone else's secret . Across the courtyard , the mood at the second branch of the Niven family was far warmer . Since reconciling , Meryl and Zachary moved together like matched lanterns ; whenever Zachary returned to the estate , the two were nearly inseparable . Together they escorted Fiona to the waiting carriage , hands lingering in farewell on the carriage door as though reluctant to let their daughter face the capital's glittering dangers alone . Zachary's features sobered . " When you stand before Claudia and Rowena , remember - show neither more favor than the other " His voice was steady , almost stern , the warning of a father who knew just how sharp palace rivalries could turn . Even Zachary's awareness of the feud spoke volumes ; if word had reached a man so rarely steeped in gossip , the rift between Claudia and Rowena must have grown cavernous indeed . Fiona could not fault them . Whether in palace halls or an ordinary courtyard , mothers fought like tigresses when their sons ' futures hung in the balance . Understanding did not lessen the brutality , 3/4 14:47 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 47 Quiet Winter Promises but it did strip the spectacle of surprise . : A 57 +20 Free Coins