Chapter 402

One by one, members of the royal family and their relatives in the capital began arriving at the palace. Harvey and Heather, along with several grand princesses, arrived together. The grand princesses came with their spouses and children, creating a bustling crowd that immediately filled the hall with lively chatter.

Next to arrive were the two high princesses, Meredith and Henrietta, who had recently relinquished their grand princess titles. Both were the king's sisters. Meredith, the elder, was the queen dowager's daughter and Salvador's older sister. Henrietta was Josephine's daughter and Salvador's younger sister.

Meredith was married to Levi Wright, the second son of Irvin Wright, the minister of the Oversight Department. Levi held a nominal position in the Protocol Department and was an optimistic, easygoing man.

The Wright family, Natalie's maternal family, was known for its scholarly traditions. However, Irvin, known for his strong-willed and stubborn nature, was someone who even dared to defy the king.

Despite her royal residence, Meredith still observed the traditional custom of paying her respects at the Wright family residence on the first and fifteenth of each month. This was a sign of respect for her role as a daughter-in-law, and Irvin wouldn't allow her to act differently, despite her royal status.

Nevertheless, Meredith and her husband lived harmoniously. The queen dowager had raised her well, and Meredith didn't act arrogantly toward the Wright family. As a result, the Wright family spoke highly of her.

Henrietta married Vance, the nephew of the Minister of Defense, Davis. Vance didn't settle for a simple post. Instead, he managed Henrietta's estates and shops, proving himself a skilled businessman.

Carissa glanced around but did not spot Leona. Though Leona was part of the royal family, she was naturally spending New Year's Eve with her husband's family. Carissa disliked Leona's husband and suspected that Leona might have endured considerable hardship due to his rigid and outdated beliefs.

Lost in thought, Carissa heard Victoria say to Heather, "Leona hasn't come to greet me for some time."

Heather smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, Leona is expecting a child and is currently resting at home to ensure a healthy pregnancy."

"Really? That's wonderful," Victoria said with a beaming smile. "I was actually planning to send a royal physician to check on her. It's been quite a while since she moved into her new home, and there hadn't been any news. I didn't expect that you'd bring such good news on New Year's Eve."

Heather looked relieved. "Yes, she's expecting, so I'm at ease. Moreover, the Earl of Gracehold's family, upon learning of her pregnancy, specially provided many items for her and even increased the number of attendants. They've shown great consideration."

However, Henrietta remarked coolly, "Indeed, they've been considerate. Not only did they provide extra items and attendants, but they also added two concubines."

Heather's expression faltered momentarily, but she quickly recovered with a smile. "Concubines are just… trinkets? No need to make a fuss about it."

Henrietta scoffed. "Why should items and maids be worth mentioning but not concubines? Why is it acceptable to discuss adding concubines to the household?"

Meredith's face darkened. "How can a man take a concubine when his wife is pregnant? What kind of family does such a thing? If there aren't enough attendants, he could have simply promoted the maids who followed Leona when she married into his family. To bring in concubines at this time—isn't he worried about how this might affect Leona and the child?"

In the capital's noble circles, taking concubines was rare. But if someone did take a concubine, it was done discreetly. Leona had not been married long, and she was pregnant—how could her husband justify taking concubines now? Besides, didn't he already have two low-ranking concubines before taking in his current two?

Introducing more concubines at this moment would only be an embarrassment!

Meredith continued, "It's already disgraceful to take concubines at such a time. It also hurts Leona's feelings. How can you, as Leona's mother, not feel distressed for your daughter, but instead defend your son-in-law? It's truly disheartening."

As the king's elder sister and the queen dowager's daughter, Meredith was known for her stern demeanor. Her words left Heather speechless, and she could only awkwardly retreat.

Uninterested, Harvey dismissed the matter. To him, taking concubines was no big deal—what family didn't have concubines?

Carissa observed the reactions of Harvey and Heather and felt a deep chill. Her heart ached for Leona. Would Leona get through this New Year?