Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 399

Carissa knew she couldn't let Helen comfort her any longer. The latter's attempts at consolation were heartbreaking.

Carissa squeezed Ryan's hand. "It's alright. I was just feeling a bit down, but my spirits are already lifting after I think about tonight's palace banquet and all the delicious food."

Her tone was light, managing to deceive both Kiera and Ryan, as well as Helen.

Though Helen was distressed by Avis' passing, the palace banquet was a lively affair. Such excitement was rare-who wouldn't enjoy it?

The palace was indeed bustling with festive cheer. The atmosphere was thick with New Year's spirit, with lights and decorations adorning every corner. Star-shaped lanterns lined the corridors, casting a bright light that made the palace appear as if it were bathed in daylight.

Yuvan was currently taking his family to pay their respects to the queen dowager and the queen,

Victoria wasn't fond of Yuvan, who was the late king's younger brother. Naturally, it was due to his reckless behavior and the bad reputation he had for favoring his concubine and abandoning his rightful wife Seeing that Avis wasn't accompanying them, Victoria suspected her illness had likely worsened. Avis' condition had been unstable for the past two years, and it was Sebastian's apprentices who had been attending to her.

If they had relied on Yuvan and Fiona, Avis might have already died.

Still, Victoria inquired about Avis' health.

It was intended as a casual inquiry, and Victoria didn't expect a truthful answer. It was understood that Avis was still unwell and not suited for travel.

struggled to

used the old excuse that she was not well enough to be out in the cold. But now, the people of Rafael's

muster a single tear for his late

said, "Your Majesty, I regret to report that upon arriving in the

cup clattered to the floor.

both turned to look, their faces filled

could this happen during the

truly more important than his wife's funeral? "Shouldn't you hurry back to Valken, Uncle Yuvan?" Salvador said quickly, recalling how his aunt had taken care of him in

he felt

Yuvan looked distressed, and

the bad news canne just as we arrived. I planned to first pay my respects to the queen dowager and Your

we are here, there will be just one more day

for a palace banquet when his wife

favored his concubine, Fiona, and had neglected

Though displeased, Salvador

that Yuvan

had already arrived. And

New Year's