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Victoria gave her a disdainful look. “Are you so heartless? She treated your daughter-in-law poorly. Don’t you hate her for that?”
Helen’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Why are you still holding grudges against an old woman? Does she even deserve to be in your thoughts?”
In Helen’s memories, Victoria had always seemed indifferent to everything and maintained a carefree expression. Whatever happened, her face was always the same, except when she was angry with Helen.
Why would that old woman merit such attention from her sister?
Victoria shot her an irritated glance. “Who exactly is Melanie Sullivan to me?”
“A friend, of course.”
“That old woman picked on Sophie, and now she’s dead. Death took her before the New Year, so isn’t it like giving Melanie a big gift? Why wouldn’t I feel at ease because of that?”
Helen waved her hand dismissively. “Come on, she’s going to hell! How could she possibly meet Melanie? If they were in the same place even after death, it wouldn’t be a good thing.”
Victoria regarded Helen for a moment, as if considering her words. Perhaps she had a point.
New Year’s was rather dull.
At the palace banquet, some royal relatives, who only made an appearance once a year, came with their families. The men congregated in one area, while the women gathered in another.
Sophie, along with several princesses and consorts, accompanied Kylie and the concubines to greet Victoria.
The honored and noble concubines were all together, with Helen among them.
Molly and Fiona stayed in Ruth’s palace and accompanied her, so they didn’t come over.
Everyone exchanged airy pleasantries-some compliments here, a bit of flattery there-while competing in beauty and showing off their jewelry.
Salvador’s concubines were also present, leaving Sophie dazzled. She only recognized Kylie, Sylvia, and Salvador’s other concubines, Penelope and Grace, while the rest were little more than strangers to her. Those of lower rank mostly kept their heads down, occasionally smiling apologetically or daring to glance up.
Salvador only had a few offspring. Perhaps it was due to his dedication to governance that he spent little time in the harem.
Kylie’s son, the legitimate eldest son, appeared quite composed for his age. He walked much like Salvador, with his hands clasped behind his back, chin slightly raised and back straight. If not for his short stature, one might mistake him for an adult.
Sylvia had a son and a daughter. The son she raised wasn’t her biological child. The wet nurse brought him over to greet Victoria before taking him back. The princess was well-behaved, her hair styled in two pigtails. She was about four years old and was still quite innocent, but she had been taught proper manners and didn’t fuss. Penelope also had a daughter, the eldest princess, who was three months older than Sylvia’s girl. Grace had a son, the second prince, who was only two years old.
The second prince was chubby, running with a wobbly gait. Victoria took a great liking to him, holding him close and giving him a few affectionate kisses before turning to Sophie.
“You should hold him too. May you give birth to a plump little one next year.”
Sophie looked at the pudgy child and smiled as she extended her arms. “Your Highness, may I hold you?”
The second prince hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Grace, who smiled and said, “Go on. Your aunt will take good care of you.”
Only then did the second prince open his arms for Sophie to hold him. She first looked at Victoria. While the queen dowager wore a smile, her eyes held a hint of chill.
After holding the heavy child for a bit, Sophie set him down, laughing as she said, “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 Sophie wasn’t thinking about having a child just yet, she still felt it necessary to express her gratitude. Sophie had no idea if the other concubines had children. None of them had brought any with them. She rarely pried into palace matters. Rafael and Jacob might know, but such topics were rarely discussed within the household.
Since Salvador ascended the throne, five years had passed. Some ministers had brought up the issue of naming an heir, but their interest wasn’t particularly strong, so the matter had yet to be officially addressed.
However, Kylie had a legitimate son-an eldest son, no less. So, as long as nothing drastic happened, the succession seemed largely uncontested. That was why the ministers, although they had raised the issue, weren’t in a hurry to settle it.
Victoria radiated warmth when with her grandchildren, but there was a palpable distance between her and the concubines. Even the queen remained somewhat estranged from her. Yet, Victoria was slightly closer to Sophie.
Meredith arrived fashionably late. As Victoria’s daughter, she naturally commanded attention. She was dressed in a stunning pomegranate-red gown embroidered with golden thread and a white fox fur cloak. 16 pure gold hairpieces with emerald inlays adorned her hair, and she exuded a regal grace.
Henrietta teased her, “You’re always the last to arrive each year. Did it take you half the day to get ready?”
Meredith shot her a playful glare. “You dare tease me? I’ll tear your mouth apart if you don’t watch it.”
Henrietta was Josephine’s daughter, and she was straightforward by nature. She quickly covered her mouth and called out to Victoria, “Mother, save me!”
Victoria rarely appeared so entertained. “You’re usually so dignified and gracious, but you have such a sharp tongue when it comes to your sister. If you want to be torn apart, I can’t help you.”
Laughter erupted around them. As they chuckled, there was a lingering sense that something was missing this year, and it was as if the atmosphere was notably warmer than in years past.
Ah.
It was the absence of Eleanor and Jessica that made this year’s gathering particularly harmonious. Meredith first called over the eldest prince. She watched as the little boy tried to mimic an adult, then playfully swatted him on the backside. “Hey now! Greet your aunt!”
The eldest prince frowned but dutifully uttered, “Greetings, Aunt Meredith.”
Kylie lowered her gaze, but it was clear from her expression that she was displeased. Sophie noticed this. She could see that Kylie disapproved of Meredith’s playful swat, which had turned the otherwise dignified eldest prince into a mere child in front of everyone.
Next came the evening banquet. Yuvan arrived with Molly and Fiona. After greeting Victoria and Kylie, he exchanged pleasantries with the other nobles.
From Harvey’s side, only Heather came. She mentioned that Harvey had caught a chill in December and hadn’t fully recovered yet. Victoria expressed her concern and ordered some precious herbs to be sent for his recovery.
At the lavish banquet, Rafael sat beside Sophie. He picked out the dishes she loved, while willingly accepting the ones she disliked and pushed aside.
Seeing this, Kylie suddenly smiled and said, “The prince and his princess consort are truly affectionate.
Kendrick and Adelaide looked up, thinking she was referring to them, but soon realized Kylie was speaking about Rafael and Sophie. They exchanged glances.
Salvador cast a cursory glance their way but said nothing. However, when he raised his glass, he shot a cold look at Kylie.
Sophie sensed a hint of jealousy in the queen and remarked, “With such a deep bond between His and Her Majesties, it’s only natural for us to follow suit.”
Kylie smiled faintly and remained silent. The burden she carried was hers alone to bear. The affection between Salvador and her was merely for show, while he truly favored Sylvia.
If Salvador had treated her even half as well as he did Sylvia, Kylie wouldn’t have felt the need to pressure her son so much. The issue of succession was supposed to be straightforward, but with Salvador’s favoritism toward Sylvia, there was always the risk of him fathering another son.
If that happened, how could Kylia not strategize for her child?
Lost in her tumultuous thoughts, she suddenly noticed a palace maid approaching with a cup of medicine for Sylvia.
The maid softly said, “Your Grace, it’s time to drink your prenatal tonic.”