Her Graceful War Song

Carissa knew she couldn't let Helen comfort her any longer. The latter'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 I think about tonight's palace banquet and all the delicious food."

Her tone was light, managing to deceive both Kiera and Ryan, as well as Helen.

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

The palace was indeed bustling with festive cheer. The atmosphere was thick with New Year's spirit, with lights and decorations adorning every corner. Star-shaped lanterns lined the corridors, casting a bright light that made the palace appear as if it were bathed in daylight.

Yuvan was currently taking his family to pay their respects to the queen dowager and the queen,

Victoria wasn't fond of Yuvan, who was the late king's younger brother. Naturally, it was due to his reckless behavior and the bad reputation he had for favoring his concubine and abandoning his rightful wife Seeing that Avis wasn't accompanying them, Victoria suspected her illness had likely worsened. Avis' condition had been unstable for the past two years, and it was Sebastian's apprentices who had been attending to her.

If they had relied on Yuvan and Fiona, Avis might have already died.

Still, Victoria inquired about Avis' health.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

It was intended as a casual inquiry, and Victoria didn't expect a truthful answer. It was understood that Avis was still unwell and not suited for travel.

However, Yuvan struggled to answer the question.

Before Carissa announced Avis' death, Yuvan could have used the old excuse that she was not well enough to be out in the cold. But now, the people of Rafael's household knew the truth. Also, 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 both turned to look, 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 taken care of 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 don't know why the bad news canne 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 of 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 that Yuvan had long favored his concubine, Fiona, and had neglected his wife for a long time. Avis' death probably meant little to him.

Though displeased, Salvador

recognized that Yuvan and his

family had already arrived. And with

it being New Year's Eve,

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. She was one of the concubines of the previous king. Augustus, who ruled Starhaven before Salvador's father, Sigmund.

Augustus' concubines were all living in the same residence now, and there weren't many of them left. They were now each other's companions. After years of rivalry and the death of Augustus, 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.