Sure enough, within a few days, the rumors about Aurora ceased to spread.The storytellers in coffeehouses and taverns had quickly changed their tune. They now claimed that while Starhaven soldiers had indeed been captured at the Southern Frontier battle, Starhaven's army had also taken many Sandorian soldiers as prisoners. In the end, both sides exchanged their prisoners, and there were no instances of mistreatment or abuse of the captives.To outsiders, it might seem like a minor issue. However, those sensitive to the situation could sense that something was off.The general populace was unaware that Westhaven soldiers had also been sent to assist Sandoria on the battlefield—such military matters were kept confidential. Even if a few knew, it was a minority, and the information would not spread widely unless someone intentionally spread it.Meanwhile, Rafael's household army had been established, including over two hundred men from the Hell Monarch Army, whom Rafael had recovered
This was the first banquet Carissa would be organizing since marrying into the royal family.If it were poorly executed, it could become a laughingstock, especially given how Helen was so concerned about her own birthday banquet. Carissa was certain her mother-in-law wouldn't want any embarrassment to mar the celebration.Thus, Carissa personally consulted Helen on whether there were any essential guests who needed to be invited.Helen pretended to ponder for a moment before saying, "If Dakota and Josephine can come out of the palace, then invite them. As for the others, you can decide."Carissa knew that these two women were indeed necessary guests, especially Dakota.It was curious, though. The concubines favored by the late king, Sigmund, weren't those two, but rather the deceased Shelby and Wanda. So, why had Helen ended up at odds with Dakota and Josephine?The marriage alliance with the Quinton family had improved Helen's relationship with Josephine, but her interactions wi
Gillian brought over the list, which was detailed with names, hometowns, ages, years of entry into the palace, and the specific palaces where they had served. On the surface, everything seemed in order.Only three individuals had served in other palaces—Leslie, Janice, and Sonia.Leslie had previously served Wanda, one of the late king's noble concubines. After Wanda's death, the queen dowager had reassigned Leslie to Helen. Janice and Sonia had originally served Lauren, a concubine the late king had favored. Her death had been sudden, reportedly due to an acute illness.After Lauren's death, in a fit of anger, the late king sentenced everyone who had served her to death. Janice and Sonia had only been spared because Victoria had transferred them to serve Helen, who had been sick at the time.Most of the remaining servants had been brought into the palace by Helen from her residence. Gillian, being Helen's wet nurse and having raised her, was not suspected of any issues. The servan
Eleanor smiled coldly. "Why the hurry? To accomplish that, we still need Helen to step in.""Aunt Helen?" Jessica's anger flared as she recalled their previous confrontation when Helen and Carissa had demanded money from them. "She's allied with Carissa now. Can she still be of any use to us?"Eleanor slowly picked up her cup and took a sip. "She may not heed our words, but psychological tactics always work on her. There is someone who can handle this matter."Jessica's eyes brightened. "Psychological tactics? You mean Aunt Dakota?"She slapped her thigh. "Mom, you think of everything! Aunt Dakota's daughter-in-law, Adelaide, has a daughter. Then, there's Kendrick's concubines too. Inez has a son and a daughter, while Matilda has a daughter and is currently pregnant."If Aunt Helen finds out about Matilda's pregnancy, she will undoubtedly be eager to push Rafael to take a concubine. If that sparks a quarrel between them, it will be quite entertaining."Eleanor sipped her coffee l
"Mom!" Serena's eyes were brimming with excitement. "I said Lady Jessica will take me there. She said that at the birthday banquet, she'll help me become one of the Hell Monarch's concubines."Rebecca's eyes, which had been as dead as a tomb, suddenly sparkled with life.She struggled to sit up and asked, "Are you serious?""Of course. Lady Jessica told me in person, and Grand Princess Eleanor was there too."Rebecca's heart leaped with excitement, as though her blood was rushing freely again, and her breathing quickened."If this works out, Grand Princess Eleanor and Lady Jessica will be our great benefactors." Rebecca paused, frowning. "Why would they help you like this? Are they plotting something? Don't be too happy just yet. Let me think about it."Serena stomped her foot in frustration. "Mom, no matter what their intentions are, all that matters is that I can marry into the royal family. Even if I have to be a concubine beneath Carissa, I don't care. I'm younger than her, a
Taken aback, Amelia asked, "Were you really invited? Or is it a lie? After all, you're also from our family. Why would she invite you?""Why wouldn't she? Not everyone from our family is heartless," Charlotte said with great pleasure and satisfaction. "Go back and tell Serena so that she'll tell Rebecca. Let her stew over it a bit."Amelia smiled wryly. "Aunt Charlotte, are you and my mother-in-law truly at such odds?"Charlotte sneered. "Who's at odds with her? I just can't stand her greed, ruthlessness, and ingratitude. Amelia, let me tell you something you might not want to hear—you're foolish. You can't even tell who's good to you and who's not.""How could I not tell? Aunt Charlotte, you know my own family is not supportive, my husband doesn't care much for me, and my mother-in-law looks down on me. What can I do?" Amelia replied."You may not be able to do much, but don't aid their schemes," Charlotte said firmly. "Your mother-in-law, Viola, Aurora, and your youngest sister-
Viola was constantly preoccupied with the affairs of both the estate and the family, and she had to dip into her own funds to make up the shortfall. Every day, she was so exhausted that it felt as though her back might break the moment she lay down.Meanwhile, Carissa seemed to live a carefree and happy life, so Viola couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment.While lost in these thoughts, she overheard Serena say, "I heard that Lady Helen publicly stated she didn't like Carissa in the past. Considering their strained relationship, it's possible Lady Helen will impose some rules on Carissa at the birthday banquet. With Carissa's current temperament, she might make a scene."Viola remembered Carissa's haughty and arrogant words from that day while she sat in her carriage. She really wanted to see Helen making things difficult for Carissa.But without an invitation, how could she possibly attend Helen's birthday banquet?Then, she suddenly thought of her own family. With her broth
How could Viola not wish to conceive an heir soon? Yet, she had her own silent struggles.It seemed that Barrett was not very enthusiastic about intimacy, and even when he did engage, he appeared somewhat lacking in strength. It was puzzling. He was a capital guard and in good health. How could this be?Viola ensured her husband's diet was nourishing, and even considered consulting a physician for him, but refrained for fear it might embarrass him. She felt an indescribable discontent. Though her life seemed smooth, there was an underlying frustration that she couldn't pinpoint.Just then, her sister-in-law, Zoey, the current mistress of the Prince family's household, arrived to deliver medicinal food to Evelyn. She was surprised to hear that Viola also wanted to attend Helen's banquet."If Viola wants to go, let her. After all, she is acquainted with Lady Carissa. Even though the Warren family has not received an invitation, it's fine for her to join us," Evelyn said.Zoey furrow