Chapter 1175

Kylie smiled. “Mother, your remembering her name is truly a blessing. My cousin turns fifteen and a half this year. My aunt is arranging a marriage and has sought my help.”

Victoria nodded. “So I’ve heard. Your aunt favors the Marquis of Glandale’s third son. I’ve inquired—he’s talented, of good character, and a suitable match. They are of a similar age.”

Kylie’s face fell. Under Victoria’s gaze, she felt exposed. She stammered, “Marriage is significant and shouldn’t be rushed. My cousin’s happiness is paramount.”

Victoria nodded thoughtfully. “True. I won’t issue a marriage edict yet. She should choose. If she approves, she can seek my favor. On your behalf, I’ll issue an edict then.”

Frustration tightened Kylie’s expression. This was a clear refusal. Who had leaked the information? Her people had visited the Farrells yesterday, and she’d summoned Alice to the palace today. Victoria had rebuked her before she even spoke to Alice.

“There’s nothing more to discuss. Tell your aunt to await your cousin’s wishes. Marriage shouldn't be forced.”

Victoria dismissed her with a wave. Kylie rose and bowed. “Thank you, Mother. I take my leave.” Lydia helped her with her cloak, and they left.

Carissa and Violet emerged from behind a partition screen. Violet asked, “Your Majesty, why not grant the marriage between Jocelyn and the Marquis of Glandale’s third son?”

Victoria chuckled softly. “Silly girl, marriage is serious. Without mutual affection, it ends in resentment. Jocelyn, in her current state, isn’t a suitable match. Her behavior at Gracewood Women’s Academy reflects poorly on her. As for the Marquis’s son—he seems useful.”

Violet exclaimed, “You’ve thought this through, Your Majesty! Unlike me, I only saw her as unsuitable.”

Victoria smiled. “One cannot judge a person solely by a single moment. Life is long. Who hasn't regretted youthful impetuosity? However, a refusal to acknowledge or correct mistakes is another matter.”

Victoria rarely lectured, but she felt fondness for Carissa and Violet. She wanted to advise them. She knew about Gracewood Academy but felt no need to intervene immediately. The academy would find its footing; it wouldn’t survive without it. She believed order would return after a period of disorder.

Kylie stormed back to Everspring Palace. Outside the hall, she composed herself, smiled, and entered.

Alice rose. “Your Majesty, you’ve returned.”

“Mrs. Farrell, I apologize for the delay. Please sit.”

Though unable to arrange the marriage, Kylie hadn’t given up. She remained cordial.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Alice sat. Seeing Kylie’s expression, she sensed Victoria’s warning, implying Carissa had spoken to Victoria. She felt relief.

The marriage was dropped, and Kylie engaged in casual conversation about the Farrell family before signaling Alice to leave.

Alice looked confused, sensing the queen’s unusual summons, but dared not ask. Pausing at the door, she cast a questioning glance before departing.

Kylie’s face darkened. “Lydia, discover who visited the Queen Dowager last night or today.”

After an hour, Lydia reported, “Your Majesty, I questioned the guards. Lady Carissa and Ms. Spencer entered the palace today. They visited Serenity Palace.”

Kylie frowned. “Her again?” Kylie harbored a long-standing resentment toward Carissa, stemming from Salvador’s attempt to bring her into the palace, the Eleanor investigation exposing Malcolm’s affair and damaging the Quinton family, and the Ryan and Connor troubles.