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."

Helen's face, it seemed that she was telling the truth. She was the type to be easily provoked by a bit of manipulation-she

"And Josephine?" Carissa asked.

victim. Before the late king passed away, she was just a low-ranking concubine. After his death,

neither the honored nor noble concubines have any real power. It's just a matter of receiving a slightly increased monthly

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

Jacob presented a guest list for Carissa to review. Upon inspection, she noticed that Eleanor and the Marquis of Ironridge's family were included, as well as Dakota and Josephine, whom Helen had insisted should be

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

families of fourth-rank officials and above were invited too, and

prepare the invitations according to

slightly. "Understood. I will prepare

"Thank you, Jacob."

of the household affairs, please be cautious with staffing. We vetted every servant before they were hired. However, His Highness has been away on the battlefield for years, and both Luke