Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 876

New Year's was rather dull.

At the palace banquet, some royal relatives, who only made an appearance once a year, came with their families. The men congregated in one area, while the women gathered in another.

Carissa, along with several princesses and consorts, accompanied Kylie and the concubines to greet Victoria.

The honored and noble concubines were all together, with Helen among them.

Molly and Fiona stayed in Ruth's palace and accompanied her, so they didn't come over.

Everyone exchanged airy pleasantries-some compliments here, a bit of flattery there-while competing in beauty and showing off their jewelry.

Salvador's concubines were also present, leaving Carissa dazzled. She only recognized Kylie, Sylvia, and Salvador's other concubines, Penelope and Grace, while the rest were little more than strangers to her. Those of lower rank mostly kept their heads down, occasionally smiling apologetically or daring to glance up.

Salvador only had a few offspring. Perhaps it was due to his dedication to governance that he spent little time in the harem.

much like Salvador, with his hands clasped behind his back,

to greet Victoria before taking him back. The princess was well-behaved, her hair styled in two pigtails. She was about four years old and was still quite innocent, but she

wobbly gait. Victoria took a great liking to him, holding

give birth to a plump

pudgy child and smiled as she extended her

Grace, who smiled and

Carissa to hold him. She first looked at Victoria. While the queen dowager

heavy child for a bit, Carissa set him down, laughing as she said, "The second

smiled. "That's good to hear. I wish you all the best in

to express her gratitude. Carissa had no idea if the other concubines had children. None of them had brought any with them. She rarely pried into palace matters.

naming an heir, but

legitimate son-an eldest son, no less. So, as long as nothing drastic happened, the succession seemed largely uncontested. That was why the ministers, although they had raised

was a palpable distance between her and the concubines. Even the queen remained somewhat estranged from her. Yet, Victoria was

arrived fashionably late. As Victoria's daughter, she naturally commanded attention. She was dressed in a stunning pomegranate-red gown embroidered with golden thread and a white fox fur cloak. 16 pure gold hairpieces with emerald inlays adorned

each year. Did it