The King's Unbreakable Wife-Chapter 250: Picking sides (2)

"You still have the habit of baking for your children," Karen said, looking around at the mess created in the kitchen.

"I do. I still enjoy doing something for my children and they love the cookies. You can have one or as many as you like," Tessa replied, keeping that they were for Hazel a secret.

There was an awkwardness in the room since Karen had become like a stranger.

Tessa noticed how Karen looked over her shoulder as though she was expecting someone else to join them.

"Linda is not here. Thankfully," Tessa added as this would have been more awkward with Linda present. "I hope you know that it is not Kenneth who has the family this way."

"I know my son and I know my husband. I know who has caused trouble," Karen replied.

Karen didn’t like seeing the two bump heads and now her grandchildren were involved.

"Karen, do you know what he plans to do with Linda? Or Hazel?" Tessa asked, wanting to be quick before they were disturbed.

"How can I not know? He is already preparing what he wants to wear when this family enters the palace. Tessa," Karen spoke softly, going toward Tessa. "I love my son more than anything or anyone in this world."

"Then be on his side,’ Tessa answered.

Standing by Grant and telling Kenneth to behave did not show that she loved him. It was time that Karen spoke up to her husband.

"I am on his side," Karen said, looking at the kitchen door once more. "I was raised to follow my husband. It is not easy to stray away from that and unlike you, I don’t have any power in my home. He meets with a woman there and I can’t even stop him. She would not be the first or the last."

Staying at home and not seeing her son or grandchildren was not Karen’s idea. She wasn’t allowed to leave without Grant’s permission. Grant wanted to travel with her today to make use of her so he could get to Kenneth. Karen knew that much.

Tessa tried not to be hard on Karen as she always thought about how hard it had to be to be Grant’s wife. Tessa went to Karen’s side and led her to a corner of the kitchen where anyone entering could not see them without walking right in.

"If you love Kenneth as you say, then help us against your husband. We should try to stop Grant from taking his army to the palace. Think of what would happen if we were believed to be traitors. Think of your grandchildren," Tessa pleaded.

Karen didn’t want her grandchildren to be dragged into Grant’s greed but there was nothing she could do to help Kenneth. She only saw the faces of the men and the woman he met with but she didn’t have a name for most.

"I wish I could offer some help but unless I am surrounded by his peers, I cannot point out who is helping him. I know that a man by the name of William Lancaster is coming to visit us. He is the loudest. I only know that he speaks of wanting a duchess and I have overheard him buying women. Is that helpful?" Karen asked.

Tessa didn’t know how much use this would be but she would still tell Kenneth. "It is better than nothing."

"You must tell Kenneth to visit the winter party. All of my husband’s friends will be there so I can point out who I’ve seen. I do not want to hurt that child," Karen said, referring to Hazel.

She didn’t feel good knowing what Grant was planning and Karen had some assumptions about what more he was doing from what she overheard.

Karen wished to know what the woman who frequently visited Grant had to do all of this. Who was she and why was she meeting with Grant in secret? She felt a fool as even with Grant’s evil deeds she wanted him for herself.

"We weren’t planning to attend that party," Tessa answered. She had already made arrangements that when it came time for that party she and Linda would be out of town.

"You must have someone there. It is the only way for me to point out who you must keep an eye on. He has been gathering more weapons for his men so time is running out. Attend that party," Karen urged Tessa.

Tessa nodded her head. "I will. If you are afraid of him, you can stay here with us. You don’t need to go back."

"That is kind of you but I must return. Grant won’t like me not being by his side and I do not want to see him fighting with Kenneth. That alone is enough to kill me. If only I could bring myself to deal with him so Kenneth would not be burdened with hurting his father. Even as he is now, I still love him," Karen confessed, knowing she was a fool.

Tessa touched Karen’s shoulder to comfort her. "It would be hard to suddenly turn on the man you love and have been with for years. You are doing well by trying to help Kenneth. The offer still stands that if you ever need help, you can come here."

Karen knew that was impossible as when Grant wasn’t by her side, there was someone to watch her. To protect Kenneth, she was going to continue to be the diligent wife she had been all these years.

"Karen!"

"I must go," Karen said, wiping her tears. "Keep an eye on William Lancaster and pay attention to any woman around my husband. I owe you so much for staying beside Kenneth and not letting my husband turn you away from this family. I didn’t say anything then but I have always adored you."

"I know," Tessa answered.

Karen had always tried to step in when Grant was being too harsh on her in the past. Karen was quiet because as much as she loved Grant, she feared him.

"I must go," Karen said, looking at the kitchen door. Should Grant find her whispering with Tessa, they would both be in trouble. "Tessa, I don’t have any proof but I think he is-"

"Did you not hear me, woman?" Grant asked, his voice filling the quiet kitchen as he entered. He looked at Karen standing close to Tessa like she was revealing some big secret. "Come here right now."

"Do not speak to her that way!" Kenneth yelled, grabbing his father’s shoulder. He should just kill him right now and end this but it wasn’t easy to think of raising his sword to his father.

Grant shoved Kenneth’s hand from his shoulder. "She is my wife. I can do as I please with her."

Karen went to Grant’s side as he wanted so a fight would not start. "It is alright."

"Winter is upon us and with that comes my party. I expect to see you all there. You have by then to decide which side of history you wish to be on," Grant told Kenneth.

Having said what Kenneth needed to hear, Grant yanked Karen’s hand to take her away.