Chapter 1215
Before the palace banquet, Carissa spent time with Victoria, Grace, and Penelope, then strolled through the Royal Garden with several grand princesses, including Kiera and Meredith. Meredith wore a bright red embroidered gown patterned with white doves. Her powdered face and rouge enhanced her noble appearance. Holding a fan to her face, she smiled and said, "I heard that after the formal complaint against the Quinton family, Lord Gerald swiftly punished the fourth branch, claiming they caused all the trouble."
As Victoria's daughter, Meredith held considerable sway among the royal family. The other princesses followed her lead, readily agreeing when she spoke of the Quintons. Even Henrietta, Josephine's daughter and a Quinton granddaughter, concurred. Henrietta, however, had long since distanced herself from the family. Her husband, Vance, advised maintaining distance from the powerful Quintons, believing it prudent to avoid close alliances. Their influence was significant, and maintaining distance was deemed wise.
Vance was often called a "kept man," managing Henrietta's estate and shops. However, Henrietta knew her husband was capable and intelligent; he simply preferred a quiet life.
Sylvia, meanwhile, was in the spotlight. With Kylie confined to her quarters, Sylvia remained by Salvador's side during the day's celebrations. Afterward, she joined the others to chat and watch the performance. Grace also attended with the second prince, while the third prince, though not her biological son, played before joining them. He was known for his youthful charm. In contrast, the second prince, though young, displayed a calm and respectful demeanor, greeting the ladies before quietly sitting beside Grace and carefully pouring her a drink. His maturity earned him much praise.
Connor, however, was absent due to Kylie's confinement and his own punishment for offending his teacher. Salvador had ordered him to complete extra assignments before the banquet.
Salvador's palace lacked numerous concubines, and those present struggled to stand out. Unlike Sigmund, who used the harem to consolidate his rule, Salvador showed little interest in such methods.
Chapter 1215 (continued)
While watching the play, a striking noblewoman approached the consorts. Unfamiliar to Carissa, the woman possessed exceptionally fair skin. Meredith identified her as Jeanette Todd, a newcomer to the palace (three months) from a modest background—her father was a sixth-ranked official. Initially a lower-ranking concubine, she had been swiftly promoted after a night with Salvador.
Carissa offered no comment; harem affairs were not her concern. Jeanette’s beauty was gentle and demure, unlike Sylvia's bold, fiery allure. Salvador's clear fondness for Jeanette was not surprising; he rarely became deeply attached to any one woman. Consequently, even those who had once enjoyed his favor eventually faded into the background. Jeanette's promotion was seen by many as a simple display of affection.
The lower-ranking concubines, however, viewed the situation differently, fiercely competing for Salvador's attention. The higher-ranking concubines observed the drama with detached amusement.
Though seemingly delicate, Jeanette was shrewd. Lacking familial influence, she sought a powerful ally, setting her sights on Carissa. Sitting beside Carissa, she offered a bashful smile. "I've heard you're as brave as a man, Your Grace." Her face flushed after this single sentence.
Carissa responded politely, "You flatter me, Lady Jeanette." Carissa found the comment odd, interpreting it as a reference to her appearance, and chose to remain distant from further interaction with the palace concubines.