Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1450

This year's New Year's Eve banquet was quieter than usual.

Although Kylie was allowed to be out of confinement for the day, she hardly spoke a word, her face marked by a heavy sense of worry. Even when the princes and princesses came to greet her, she responded only with a faint, distant smile.

Salvador's health wasn't good, and he had to get up early to conduct the New Year rituals at Skyward Sanctum. With all the busy work inside and out, it was exhausting for him.

Having caught a chill, Victoria had left early, with Helen accompanying her as she departed.

As Victoria was leaving, Kylie quickly gave orders. "Take Connor back to Serenity Palace to stay with Mother."

Salvador furrowed his brow. "Why should he go? Mom is ill, and you want him to stay with her?"

With a solemn expression, Kylie replied, "Mother has always treated him with great affection. Now that she is sick, how could he not be by her side to tend to her illness?"

She sighed softly, her tone tinged with melancholy. "It should be me caring for her, but I've failed in that regard. Let him take my place and show his devotion to her."

Salvador cast a cold glance at her, recognizing her maneuver to have her confinement lifted. He decided to go along with it.

"What you say makes sense. Go, take Connor to Serenity Palace. Have him stay by Mom's side day and night until her health is restored."

Kylie stiffened slightly but said nothing. She could only watch as Derek led a reluctant Connor away. She cast a resentful glance at Salvador, tears welling up in her eyes. However, she fought them back with all her might.

Carissa pretended not to see or hear anything, focusing instead on eating her now-cold meal.

Salvador had not taken action against Kylie for what had happened to Janelle. Derek had mentioned that Salvador was furious, but because of his plans to possibly name Connor the Crown Prince, it would have been difficult to punish Kylie at this time. Doing so would only make it harder for Connor to stand on his own.

Still, the tension between the king and queen was clear for all to see. However, no one dared to openly express their thoughts. Everyone did their best to keep their feelings hidden.

Tonight, the other concubines in the palace were unusually quiet. The atmosphere in the harem was heavy, as if everyone was silently speculating about Salvador's mysterious illness.

Though the hall was full of people, Carissa felt unusually alone without Rafael by her side. This year's celebration seemed oddly empty.

The women all left first. After Kylie and the other concubines had excused themselves, Carissa got up as well. She intended to go to Serenity Palace to keep Victoria company.

But before she could take a step, Lydia approached her with a respectful nod.

"Her Majesty has requested your presence, Your Grace," Lydia said politely.

Carissa instinctively prepared to refuse, but Salvador spoke up before she could. "Since the queen has requested it, you should go, Lady Carissa."

He finished speaking, then called Derek over and gave him a few instructions.