Her Graceful War Song

Chapter 790

Just as she took a few steps out of the royal study, Cassa was intercepted by the queen’s head maid, Lydia, who smiled and curtsied.

“Your Grace, it’s been a while since we last met.”

Carissa returned the smile. It has. What brings you here, Lydia?”

“Oh, it’s nothing urgent. Her Majesty mentioned she hasn’t seen you in some time and would like to invite you to Everspring Palace for some tea.”

Carissa’s throat was parched and she felt the pang of thirst. However, she also knew that an invitation from the queen rarely came with good intentions.

Could she decline?

Seeing the determined look on Lydia’s face, she realized that refusal wasn’t an option.

“Alright, then. Please lead the way.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” Lydia replied cheerfully before setting off. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

The distance from the royal study to Everspring Palace was a bit of a trek, but the weather was pleasant, with a gentle breeze that eased some of the oppressive atmosphere from the study. As she walked, the tension slowly bled out of Carissa’s body.

Although Kylie was not very friendly with her, dealing with the queen was far more manageable than facing Salvador’s intimidating presence.

Upon arriving at Everspring Palace, Lydia guided Carissa inside.

As they entered, Carissa spotted a man dressed in luxurious clothing standing up to pay his respects. She recognized him immediately–Lionel, the queen’s brother, a third–rank Councilor, and a trusted minister of Salvador’s since his ascension to the throne.

Carissa bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“Rise,” Kylie said, her voice calm and distant as she sat regally on the throne.

Lionel respectfully greeted, “Commander Sinclair.”

Carissa returned the greeting, “Lord Lionel,”

“Please be seated,” Kylie instructed.

Carissa thanked her and took a seat on the left side of the room, while nel settled across from her.

Once seated, he wasted no time in saying, “I have something to ask you, Commander Sinclair. Please answer truthfully.”

“Your Majesty, may I have a glass of water?” Carissa requested, feeling too thirsty.

“Serve refreshments!” Kylie commanded without hesitation.

As they waited for the refreshments to arrive, Carissa asked, “What is it you wish to ask, Lord Lionel?”

+34 POTEUR

He hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face as he broached the subject, Ultimately, he endured the humiliation in his heart and looked at Carissa directly.

“Today, Prince Rafael came to our residence and said that my dad has been keeping a mistress outside. She is said to be a concubine’s daughter from Eleanor’s household. You were the one who discovered this, right, Commander Sinclair? Where did you get this information?”

Carissa was taken aback. She had discussed this matter with Rafael the night before, and they had agreed to speak with Malcolm privately. Why had it been spread to the other family members?

Rafael was a tactful man. He would have respected Malcolm’s position.

Unlike others who directly brought the women from Eleanor’s household into their homes as concubines, Malcolm had kept the one sent to him outside as a mistress. So, it was inappropriate for Rafael and Carissa to announce the matter in the open.

Instead of answering, Carissa asked, “Are you saying His Highness mentioned this in front of everyone today?”

Lionel’s expression grew frantic. “Yes! Just tell me how you heard of this. Who did you hear it from?” Although Carissa couldn’t fathom how a matter that should have been kept private had suddenly become common knowledge among the Quinton family, she replied, “We investigated the matter ourselves. It wasn’t something we heard from anyone.”

Lionel grew agitated. “Investigated? How did you investigate it?”

Carissa maintained her composure. “I don’t think it’s necessary to explain how we conducted our investigation to you, Lord Lionel. His Majesty is aware, that’s what matters.”

“But what evidence do you have? If you can’t provide any evidence or explain how you investigated it, I won’t believe you.”

“You won’t believe me?” Carissa raised an eyebrow, confused.

Had Malcolm denied Rafael’s words?

“Did Lord Malcolm deny it?” she asked directly.

Lionel shook his head. “My dad doesn’t know about this yet. He left early this morning.”

“So, he didn’t meet His Highness?” Carissa questioned.

Lionel nodded.

Carissa suddenly understood how the other Quinton family members had come to know about it.

Since Malcolm had gone out today after being informed of their visit last night, Rafael probably waited at the residence for quite a while and likely grew impatient. Furthermore, he must have recalled how Carissa had waited outside Oakspire Estate yesterday and gotten angry, so he had just left without giving much explanation.