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.

behind his back, chin slightly

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 eldest princess, who was three months older than Sylvia's girl. Grace had a son, the second

wobbly gait. Victoria took a great liking to him, holding him close and giving him a few affectionate kisses

give birth to

smiled as she extended her arms. "Your Highness, may I hold

second prince hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Grace, who smiled and said, "Go on. Your aunt will take good

hold him. She first looked at Victoria. While the queen dowager wore a smile,

heavy child for a bit, Carissa set him down,

"That's good to hear. I wish you

idea if the other concubines had children. None of them had brought any with them. She rarely pried into palace matters. Rafael and Jacob might know, but such topics were

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

a legitimate son-an eldest son, no less. So, as long as nothing drastic happened, the succession seemed largely uncontested. That was

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

with golden thread and a white fox fur cloak. 16 pure gold hairpieces with emerald inlays adorned her hair, and she

always the last to arrive each year. Did it take you