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.

He walked much like Salvador, with his hands clasped behind his back, chin slightly raised and back straight. If not for his short stature, one might mistake him for an

child. The wet nurse brought him over 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 had been taught proper manners and didn't fuss. Penelope also had a daughter, the

was chubby, running with a wobbly gait. Victoria took a great liking to him, holding him close and giving

you give birth to

at the pudgy child and smiled as she extended her arms. "Your Highness, may I

smiled and said, "Go

him. She first looked at Victoria. While the queen dowager wore a smile, her eyes held a hint of

the heavy child for a bit, Carissa set him

you all the best in getting what you desire

child just yet, she still felt it necessary 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.

throne, five years had passed. Some ministers had brought up the issue of naming an heir, but their interest wasn't

had a 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 the issue, weren't in

radiated warmth when with her grandchildren, but there was a palpable distance between her and the concubines. Even the queen remained somewhat

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 her hair,

each year.