Chapter 876

New Year's was rather dull. At the palace banquet, some royal relatives, who appeared only once a year, attended with their families. The men gathered in one area, while the women gathered in another. Carissa, along with several princesses and consorts, accompanied Kylie and the concubines to greet Victoria. The honored concubines were together, including Helen. Molly and Fiona remained at Ruth's palace and did not attend.

Everyone exchanged pleasantries—some compliments, some flattery—while subtly competing in beauty and displaying their jewelry. Salvador's concubines were present, dazzling Carissa. She recognized only Kylie, Sylvia, Penelope, and Grace; the others were strangers. Those of lower rank mostly kept their heads down, occasionally offering apologetic smiles or furtive glances.

Salvador had few offspring, perhaps due to his dedication to governance leaving him with little time for the harem. Kylie's son, the legitimate eldest son, was remarkably composed for his age. He walked like Salvador, hands clasped behind his back, chin slightly raised, and back straight. Were it not for his short stature, he could have been mistaken for an adult.

Sylvia had a son and a daughter. The son she raised was not her biological child; his wet nurse brought him to greet Victoria before taking him away. The princess, about four years old, was well-behaved, her hair styled in two pigtails. She was innocent but properly mannered. Penelope also had a daughter, the eldest princess, three months older than Sylvia's. Grace had a son, the second prince, who was two years old.

The chubby second prince, waddling about, charmed Victoria. She held him close, kissing him affectionately before turning to Carissa. "You should hold him too. May you give birth to a plump little one next year."

Carissa smiled, extending her arms. "Your Highness, may I hold you?"

The second prince hesitated, glancing at Grace, who smiled and said, "Go on. Your aunt will take good care of you." He then opened his arms to Carissa. She first looked at Victoria; the queen dowager smiled, but her eyes held a hint of coldness.

After holding the child, Carissa set him down, laughing. "The second prince is truly adorable."

Grace smiled. "That's good to hear. I wish you all the best in getting what you desire soon."

Although Carissa wasn't thinking of having a child, she felt it necessary to express her gratitude. She didn't know if the other concubines had children; none had brought any. She rarely inquired into palace matters. Rafael and Jacob might know, but such topics were rarely discussed.

Five years had passed since Salvador ascended the throne. Some ministers had raised the issue of naming an heir, but their interest was lukewarm, and the matter remained unaddressed. However, Kylie had a legitimate eldest son. Barring unforeseen events, the succession seemed secure; thus, the ministers were in no hurry.

Victoria radiated warmth with her grandchildren, but there was distance between her and the concubines, even the queen. However, she was slightly closer to Carissa.

Meredith arrived fashionably late. As Victoria's daughter, she commanded attention. She wore a stunning pomegranate-red gown embroidered with gold thread and a white fox fur cloak. Sixteen pure gold hairpieces with emerald inlays adorned her hair; she exuded regal grace.

Henrietta teased her, "You're always the last to arrive. Did it take you half the day to get ready?"

Meredith playfully glared. "You dare tease me? I'll tear your mouth apart if you don't watch it."

Henrietta, Josephine's daughter, was blunt. She covered her mouth and cried, "Mother, save me!"

Victoria seemed highly amused. "You're usually dignified, but you have such a sharp tongue with your sister. If you want to be torn apart, I can't help you."

Laughter erupted. Amidst the chuckles, a sense of something missing from previous years was palpable; the atmosphere felt warmer. The absence of Eleanor and Jessica made this year's gathering particularly harmonious.

Meredith called over the eldest prince. Watching him mimic an adult, she playfully swatted his backside. "Hey now! Greet your aunt."

The eldest prince frowned but obeyed. "Greetings, Aunt Meredith."

Kylie lowered her gaze, her displeasure evident to Carissa. She saw Kylie disapproved of Meredith's playful swat, which had momentarily undignified the eldest prince.