Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1216

Little did Carissa know, Jeanette would keep talking to her throughout the performance. Sometimes, she even giggled and playfully nudged Carissa, as if they were very close and familiar with each other.

Their interaction caught the attention of the other concubines nearby. A few of them even leaned in, casting curious glances several times.

Though people would call it interacting, in reality, Carissa only occasionally agreed or nodded, giving a smile to be polite.

However, others didn't see it that way. After the performance, both Meredith and Kiera pulled Carissa aside with puzzled expressions. "You and Jeanette know each other?"

Carissa shook her head. "We've never met before today."

"Then why does it seem like you two are so familiar with each other?" Kiera's confusion deepened.

Meredith noticed something was off and frowned. "Stay away from her in the future. Her intentions aren't sincere."

Carissa had already gathered that much. But at the time, everyone was watching the performance. Leaving abruptly would have been rude and disruptive to Salvador's and Victoria's enjoyment. Still, Carissa didn't think Jeanette was foolish-though she certainly wasn't all that clever either.

As the performance had ended, Carissa felt a sense of relief. However, when she caught the cold glances from Sylvia, Penelope, and the other concubines, she knew the mood had shifted. They hadn't said anything, but their eyes spoke volumes-sharp, calculating, and no longer friendly.

she had spent enough time observing the women to understand their temperaments. They could tolerate a new favorite, but if

the most. By trying to

began,

spent the entire time walking in the Royal Garden, not wanting to see him, though she knew it

the capital, while she was the Hell Monarch's princess consort and the commander of the Mystic Army. Her position meant that she was seated directly across from him,

taught Sigmund. Later, he became Salvador's teacher. Both of them had been invited to the palace banquet, which was

banquet

raised his cup in a toast, thanking the heavens and his teachers. Carissa noticed that Gerald had a serious expression and the air of a

alone made her

because of the matter with the women's academy, and all Carissa could do was bury her head in

felt like an

This year, without Rafael in the capital, she didn't see the need to linger. She wanted to return to the estate with Helen as soon as possible. As she reached the eastern gates,

Gerald spoke first. "Lady Helen,

and replied, "Yes, Lord Quinton. Are you leaving so soon as

adopting a lecturing quality. "I have a few words

her head lowered as protocol dictated. "Please

seriously,