Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

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 with Dakota remained strained.

Carissa couldn't help but ask, "Did Dakota ever offend you?"

Helen snorted. "Don't be fooled by her appearance. She seems straightforward, but she's actually quite scheming. I was frequently fooled by her when the late king was still alive, and often scolded by him for it."

truth. She was the type to

"And Josephine?" Carissa asked.

a face. "She's always been good at playing the victim. Before the late king passed away, she was just a low-ranking

all meaningless. In the harem, neither the honored nor noble concubines have any real

Helen claimed it was all the same, her deep-seated jealousy was evident. Despite her son's victory at the Southern Frontier, Salvador hadn't offered to elevate her status,

Eleanor and the Marquis of Ironridge's family were included, as well as Dakota and Josephine, whom Helen

list also featured several grand princesses, the Marquis of Jadehill's family, and some noble families, such as the Farrell family,

officials and above were invited too, and

Carissa said, "Alright, prepare the invitations according to this list and send them out as

prepare the

"Thank you, Jacob."

vetted every servant before they were hired. However, His Highness has been away on the