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.

composed for his age. 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

raised wasn't her biological 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 before turning to

him too. May you give birth to a plump little one next

the pudgy child and smiled as she extended her arms.

moment, glancing back at Grace, who smiled and said, "Go

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

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

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

wasn't thinking about having a 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. Rafael and Jacob might know,

issue of naming an heir, but their interest wasn't particularly strong, so the matter had yet to be

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

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

pomegranate-red gown embroidered with golden thread and a white

her, "You're always the last to arrive each year. Did it take you