Chapter 399

Carissa knew she couldn't let Helen comfort her any longer. Helen's attempts at consolation were heartbreaking.

Carissa squeezed Ryan's hand. "It's alright. I was just feeling a bit down, but my spirits are already lifting after thinking about tonight's palace banquet and all the delicious food."

Her tone was light, deceiving Kiera, Ryan, and Helen.

Though Helen was distressed by Avis's passing, the palace banquet was a lively affair. Such excitement was rare—who wouldn't enjoy it?

The palace bustled with festive cheer. The atmosphere was thick with New Year's spirit; lights and decorations adorned every corner. Star-shaped lanterns lined the corridors, casting a bright light that bathed the palace in daylight.

Yuvan was taking his family to pay their respects to the Queen Dowager and the Queen. Victoria wasn't fond of Yuvan, the late king's younger brother, due to his reckless behavior and bad reputation for favoring his concubine and abandoning his wife.

Seeing Avis wasn't accompanying them, Victoria suspected her illness had worsened. Avis's condition had been unstable for the past two years, and Sebastian's apprentices had been attending to her. If they had relied on Yuvan and Fiona, Avis might have already died.

Still, Victoria inquired about Avis's health. It was a casual inquiry; Victoria didn't expect a truthful answer. It was understood Avis was unwell and unsuitable for travel.

However, Yuvan struggled to answer. Before Carissa announced Avis's death, Yuvan could have used the excuse that she was too unwell for the cold. But now, Rafael's household knew the truth. Carissa might well bring it up at the banquet—if not tonight, then certainly in the coming days.

Yet, Yuvan couldn't muster a single tear for his late wife.

With a mournful expression, he said, "Your Majesty, I regret to report that upon arriving in the capital, I received the tragic news that Avis has passed away."

Victoria's cup clattered to the floor. "What?"

Salvador and Kylie turned, their faces filled with astonishment. How could this happen during the New Year festivities? Moreover, if Avis had passed away, why was Yuvan still in the capital with his entire family? Was the palace banquet truly more important than his wife's funeral?

"Shouldn't you hurry back to Valken, Uncle Yuvan?" Salvador said quickly, recalling how his aunt had cared for him in his youth. The sorrow he felt was palpable.

Yuvan looked distressed and replied, "She seemed to be in good health before we left for the capital. I don't know why the bad news came just as we arrived. I planned to first pay my respects to the Queen Dowager and Your Majesty, and immediately return after the banquet."

"Yes, indeed. Since we are here, there will be just one more day's delay. We will set off first thing tomorrow," Fiona added.

While this reasoning was understandable, the situation felt awkward. How could Yuvan be in the mood for a palace banquet when his wife had passed away? The festivity must have been a painful reminder.

Upon reflection, Salvador realized Yuvan had long favored his concubine, Fiona, and neglected his wife. Avis's death probably meant little to him.

Though displeased, Salvador recognized Yuvan and his family had arrived. And with it being New Year's Eve, sending them away immediately wasn't appropriate. The city gates would close soon, and a late-night journey wouldn't be suitable.

Not wanting to dwell on the matter further on such a joyous occasion, Salvador said, "Uncle Yuvan, you haven't seen your mother for two or three years. You should go and greet her."

Yuvan's mother was Ruth, one of the concubines of the previous king, Augustus, who ruled Starhaven before Salvador's father, Sigmund. Augustus's concubines all lived in the same residence; not many were left. They were now each other's companions. After years of rivalry and Augustus's death, there was nothing left to compete for.

Ruth was also Eleanor's adoptive mother. Eleanor's biological mother had been the noble concubine, Chloe. When Chloe fell ill, she sent Eleanor to be raised by Ruth. After Chloe's death, Eleanor stayed with Ruth, who cared for her since.

Chapter 300 (This seems to be a continuation of the story, but needs a separate cleanup)

(This section needs a separate cleanup as it's a different chapter. Please provide it separately for a thorough edit.)