Chapter 1167
On Midwinter’s Dawn, before the grand court banquet, the ladies of the inner and outer courts offered their greetings at the palace. Victoria, usually preferring solitude, welcomed the visitors, conversing with noblewomen from various families. Kylie remained for a time, keeping Victoria company before returning to Everspring Palace to await her family’s arrival.
She was surprised to find her mother absent. Instead, a group of aunts, cousins, and distant relatives greeted her. Marjorie, she learned, had claimed illness and an inability to brave the wind, thus forgoing her customary greeting to Victoria to avoid potentially spreading her ailment.
Kylie was unconvinced. Recalling Marjorie’s recent dismissal of her workshop proposal and the resulting disappointment on her mother’s face, Kylie suspected a tantrum rather than genuine illness. Though disappointed, she discreetly instructed Lydia to send a message to her mother, coupled with a respectful gesture.
After pleasantries, Kylie requested Jocelyn’s company for a conversation. Jocelyn, alongside Cassidy and Hailey, was known for disrupting the academy, particularly targeting Rosalind with malicious behavior. Though previously reprimanded, Jocelyn continued subtle provocations, aiming to anger Rosalind and damage her reputation, thereby harming the Gracewood Women’s Academy.
Jocelyn, visibly upset, confided, “Mrs. Ashford is so formidable! Mr. Spencer also scolded me, and I dared not cause further trouble. Perhaps it's best to let it be. The queen dowager wouldn't approve.”
Kylie cast a cold glance at Jocelyn, leaning slightly to the side. “Do you think I wish to be at odds with the academy? His Majesty shares my sentiment. Upon the academy's founding, he feared Carissa might overshadow him, yet he couldn't refuse the queen dowager's initiative. Therefore, we employ subtler methods to diminish the academy's reputation. Should the queen dowager question anything, Carissa will bear the blame for its mismanagement. Frankly, I agree with him; someone with a military background is unsuitable for Gracewood Women’s Academy.”
Fifteen-year-old Jocelyn, whose scheming was still unrefined, lacked understanding of Carissa’s suitability. She simply followed her cousin’s instructions, devoid of moral consideration. Hearing Salvador’s disapproval, she declared, “I understand. Upon our return, I shall continue to make things difficult for Ms. Young.”
Kylie nodded, pleased. Rosalind, the youngest teacher, lacked noble title and widespread recognition, making her a prime target. The Quinton and Trevor families, leaders among the scholarly elite, were undeniably rivals. Many Quinton sons served in government, their disciplined conduct occasionally marred by controversy, particularly Malcolm’s history of personal misconduct. Trevor had clearly emerged as the family's true representative.
Kylie sought to bolster her family's standing. Weakening the Young family—ideally exposing private moral failings—would silence external criticism of the Quintons.
“You’ve come of age,” Kylie remarked casually. “Upon our return, I shall discuss your marriage with your mother. It’s time to consider a suitable match.” Offering a significant reward for Jocelyn's continued efforts, Kylie alluded to the Quinton family’s history of advantageous marriages, citing a daughter's union with Kendrick, Dakota's son, resulting in a princess consort title. Such connections were vital for Connor's future.
Jocelyn, embarrassed by the marriage discussion, demurely replied, “I leave everything to you, Your Majesty.”
The Quintons traditionally married into royalty or titled nobility, rarely military officers. However, considering Connor's future, Kylie had a candidate in mind. “Have you heard of Thomas Farrell? What are your thoughts?” she inquired tentatively.
Jocelyn wrinkled her nose. “Not much. He’s older, previously married, and his household is reportedly undisciplined and secretive.”
Kylie smiled. “He’s not that old, and gossip is unreliable. I merely inquired. If you disapprove, I would never force you, my dear.”
Jocelyn's face brightened. “I knew you’d be the kindest, Your Majesty!”
Kylie returned a knowing smile.