Chapter 1176

Kylie, enraged, hurled a cup across the room. “She’s nothing but a hindrance! She’s always causing trouble for me!”

Lydia, standing aside, observed, “Your Majesty, since her appointment by the Queen Dowager to head the Gracewood Women’s Academy, she has gained considerable favor among the capital’s noble ladies. I believe half the influential families now hold her in high regard. She has become difficult to manage.”

Kylie recalled Midwinter’s Dawn, the endless praise showered upon Carissa for her devotion and capabilities, a shining example of womanhood. If Carissa was an example, what did that make the Queen?

The thought intensified Kylie’s resentment. “The Queen Dowager once called Aurora an example for women. Now Carissa has usurped that title. Isn’t she disgusting?”

“Your Majesty,” Lydia replied cautiously, “she thrives on attention and enjoys her current popularity. Remember, excessive success can lead to a downfall. If things turn against her, her popularity will become a liability. The Queen Dowager still shields her; challenging her now would be unwise.”

Kylie’s voice grew cold. “The Queen Dowager protects her only because of her old friendship with Carissa’s mother. Her Majesty insisted on establishing the academy. The King never fully agreed, but he complied out of devotion to his mother. Does Carissa truly believe herself a great headmistress? Ask her how well she can read! It’s embarrassing. Her Majesty values the academy highly, but if it fails, we’ll see if she still protects Carissa.”

Lydia’s tone became more hesitant. “Previously, Miss Jocelyn created difficulties for the academy’s teachers. These matters never reached the Queen Dowager. But anything more serious will be impossible to conceal. If the Queen Dowager is truly angered, His Majesty will not support you.”

Kylie felt a sharp pang. Annoyed, she said, “I won’t act rashly. If I do, I’ll ensure I remain uninvolved. I’m not foolish enough to send my cousin. I’ll reconsider. You needn’t continue nagging me.”

Lately, she had been carefully planning an alliance with the Farrell family, Thomas being the most suitable candidate. Among the court’s generals, only he remained unmarried, and his command of the military was absolute. To hold true power, one needed control of the army. Marrying into a military family was pointless if power resided with the father or grandfather.

Everything had been progressing smoothly—until Carissa ruined it all. How could Kylie not be angry? And how did Victoria know about the Marquis of Glandale’s third son? That conversation had been private, between her and her aunt. She hadn’t confided in anyone else.

Could there be spies in her palace? Those around her had served for years, especially those trusted with the inner halls. Even those in the outer halls were loyal confidants. If a spy existed, they must have been planted long ago.

How could Kylie investigate? She feared any mistake might harm her own people.

“Investigate the Queen Dowager’s people in Everspring Palace. Discreetly identify any suspicious individuals,” Kylie ordered.

Lydia lowered her voice. “Your Majesty, I’ve already investigated, but found nothing.”

“You’ve already investigated?” Kylie was surprised.

“I’ve heard the Queen Dowager places people in every palace, so I’ve checked repeatedly, but found nothing,” Lydia replied softly. “Besides, even if we found someone, what could we do? If the Queen Dowager wishes to place or bribe individuals, it’s far too easy for her. In terms of scheming, no one in the harem surpasses her. I’ve also noticed she often overlooks many things. If it doesn’t concern her, she doesn’t intervene. Perhaps this time, she sensed your plans and intervened, worried about your meddling in state affairs.”

Kylie cursed silently. What mother wouldn't consider her son's future? And her son was the eldest legitimate heir—was she supposed to allow another prince to succeed to the throne?

Chapter 1178