Chapter 218

Derek entered the king's study and reported, "Your Majesty, Grand Princess Eleanor has arrived at the palace and requests an audience."

Salvador looked up from the mountain of reports before him. He tossed aside his pen and rubbed his temples. "Did she say what it's about?"

"She didn't specify, but she appears to be quite angry," Derek replied cautiously.

Salvador sneered. "My aunt has always been domineering. During festivals, she visits the palace and treats me like a child. However, she seldom comes to see me alone. After all, what could be so significant that a great princess like her can't handle? It's likely related to the events at her birthday banquet."

He had heard about what happened at Eleanor's birthday banquet, though he was unsure of the full details. Several days had passed—was she still aggrieved by that event?

"Show her in," Salvador said.

Derek hesitated before adding, "Grand Princess Eleanor is at Serenity Palace. She has also summoned Lady Helen."

"Summoned?" Salvador's smile was shallow and lacking warmth. "Very well. As a younger member of the family, it is my duty to pay my respects to my aunt."

Derek bowed, then instructed, "Prepare the litter for the king."

The journey from the study to the inner palace was a considerable distance, and it was too hot to walk.

After helping Salvador into the litter, Derek said softly, "I heard that at the birthday banquet, Lady Sinclair mentioned that Grand Princess Eleanor had sent a miniature chastity belt sculpture to Madam Sinclair. It sounds rather unsettling."

"I've heard about it," Salvador said, his usually composed expression darkening. Even the sun could not dispel his gloom. "If this is true, she, as a royal, has not only disgraced herself but also betrayed the favor my grandfather bestowed upon her."

Derek continued, "It might be due to old grievances."

"Old grievances?" Salvador pondered the rumors he had heard amidst his busy schedule. "Are you referring to her desire to marry Hector?"

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"Yes, it seems so. The matter was quite a scandal at the time. Grand Princess Eleanor has held a grudge ever since. Even though she has maintained a facade of harmony with her husband, there have been ongoing conflicts beneath the surface."

Salvador glanced at Derek, who quickly lowered his head in alarm.

"I've spoken out of turn," he apologized.

"You usually don't say much, but you seem particularly concerned about Hector's family," Salvador said calmly.

Derek remained uneasy. "I'm only being considerate of the duke's family. Now that only Lady Sinclair is left, it's hard not to feel some sorrow. After all, the duke and his sons sacrificed their lives for the country."

Salvador sighed, his gaze reflecting a hint of sorrow. "It is indeed a loss for our kingdom. I'm deeply pained whenever I think of it."

Derek sighed in sympathy but dared not speak further.

Salvador's intentions were difficult to predict. He had a special affection for the Duke of Northwatch's family, but this affection was something that only he could give; it couldn't be demanded.

Just as when Carissa entered the palace to request a divorce, and then came back to see him again. He had grown impatient then. In fact, he felt impatient even before knowing why she was there.

If Hector's name wasn't occasionally mentioned, Salvador might weigh his options more carefully. That would lead him to choose the easier or more conciliatory path, which could unfairly affect Carissa.

However, bringing up Hector too often was also not advisable. Derek understood the need to tread carefully and maintain the right balance.

Upon arriving at Serenity Palace, Salvador saw Victoria seated in the center, her brow slightly furrowed. Eleanor sat on the left, her demeanor haughty and cold. Helen was on the right, her expression somewhat tense and cautious.

When Salvador entered, he first greeted Victoria and Helen. Victoria gave a slight nod while Helen stood, offered a respectful bow, and then sat back down.

Then, Salvador turned to Eleanor. Noticing her stern expression, he smiled and teased, "Aunt Eleanor, you usually only visit me in Trinity Palace for important matters. What brings you here today?" Trinity Palace was the main palace and also served as Salvador's residence. Salvador was a younger member of the family. Yet he had not greeted her properly, and Eleanor felt a twinge of displeasure; however, he was the king, and she couldn't criticize him harshly.

She maintained a cold expression, her anger palpable. "Your Majesty, I have come today to request that you issue an edict to punish someone."

"One?" Salvador looked at Derek as he arranged a chair next to Victoria and then settled himself in it.

As the palace servants served chilled drinks, he took a sip before inquiring, "I'm curious. Who has such audacity to anger you to the point you would ask me to issue an edict to punish her?"