On Midwinter''s Dawn, before the grand banquet for the entire court, thedies of the inner and outer courts came to the pce to offer their greetings.


    Victoria usually preferred quiet. But on this day, she weed visitors, chatting with the noblewomen from various families. Kylie stayed to keep herpany for a while before returning to Everspring Pce to wait for her family to arrive. Little did she know that after all the waiting, her mother wouldn''t show up. Instead, it was a group of aunts, cousins, and distant rtives.


    Upon asking, she learned that Marjorie felt unwell and couldn''t bear to face the wind. As customary, Marjorie would need to offer her greetings to Victoria if she came into the pce. Since she didn''t wish to risk passing on her illness, Marjorie refrained from visiting the pce.


    Of course, Kylie didn''t believe it. Thest time Marjorie spoke to her about the workshop, she had turned thetter down. She could see the disappointment and surprise on the older woman''s face, so she suspected her mother was merely throwing a small tantrum. Kylie felt a bit disappointed, but didn''t show it. Instead, she quietly told Lydia to send a message to her mother along with a small gesture of respect.


    After the usual pleasantries, Kylie asked Jocelyn to stay for a chat.


    Jocelyn was the troublemaker alongside Cassidy and Hailey. The three had been causing havoc in the academy, and Jocelyn had been particrly nasty toward Rosalind. After being put in her ce once, she had toned it down a bit.


    Every now and then, though, Jocelyn still tried to provoke Rosalind in hopes of angering her and tarnishing her reputation as a temperamental teacher unsuitable for the academy. The standing of Gracewood Women''s Academy would also be damaged. Jocelyn puffed up her cheeks, upset. "Mrs. Ashford is so fierce! Mr. Spencer also scolded me, and I didn''t dare to cause trouble again. Perhaps it''s best to let it go. If the queen dowager hears about it, it wouldn''t be good." Kylie leaned slightly to one side, casting a cold nce at her.


    "Do you think I''m the one who wants to be at odds with the people at the academy? His Majesty feels the same way. When the academy was first founded, he feared Carissa might overshadow him, but he couldn''t outright refuse since the academy was the queen dowager''s idea.


    "So, we resorted to more subtle methods to tarnish the academy''s reputation. If the queen dowager ever questioned anything, Carissa would be med for failing to manage the academy properly.


    "Frankly, I agree with him. Someone with a military background has no business running Gracewood Women''s Academy."


    Jocelyn had just turned 15, still shy of 16. Her scheming was far from refined, and she didn''t really know whether Carissa was fit for the position. She simply did as her cousin instructed, so to her, there was no right or wrong in the matter.


    Now, hearing that Salvador wasn''t fond of the academy, she said, "I understand. When we return to the academy, I''ll continue to make things difficult for Ms. Young."


    Kylie nodded, satisfied.


    Of all the teachers, the youngest was Rosalind. Though she was talented, she had neither a noble title nor widespread recognition, so it was natural that Kylie would target her first.


    Trevor and the Quinton family were considered the leading figures of the schrly elite, so iming they weren''t secretlypeting with each other would be a lie.


    Many of the Quinton family''s sons had entered government service. While they were strictly disciplined, some of their actions had drawn criticism. Malcolm, in particr, had a history of personal misconduct. It was clear now that Trevor had firmly taken the lead as the true


    representative of the schrly elite.


    Kylie was trying to help her family. If she could weaken the Young family-even better, if some private moral issues came to light-then outsiders couldn''t criticize the Quinton family anymore. "You''vee of age now," Kylie said casually. "When we return, I''ll speak with your mom about your marriage. It''s time to start thinking about a match."


    Since Kylie wanted Jocelyn to do


    something, she offered a big reward


    powerful families-one of


    in return. The Quinton family arranged marriages with other


    daughters had even married


    Kendrick, Dakota''s son, and became a princess consort.


    A powerful family with ties through marriage was beneficial, especially for Connor''s future.


    Jocelyn, embarrassed at the mention of her marriage, lowered her eyes. "I''ll leave everything to you, Your Majesty."


    Traditionally, the Quinton family''s


    marriages were either with the royal


    family or noble houses with titles,


    vel


    rarely with military officers. However, considering how important the military was to Connor''s future, Kylie had a


    candidate in mind.


    "Have you ever heard of Thomas Farrell? What do you think of him?" she asked tentatively.


    Jocelyn wrinkled her nose in disdain. "Not much. He''s older and has already been married once. People say his household is a mess and has no discipline. Who knows what else he''s hiding?"


    Kylie smiled. "He''s not that old. Also, it''s not worth paying attention to the gossip people are spreading. I was only asking. If you don''t like him, I would never force you, silly girl."


    Jocelyn''s face brightened with a sweet smile. "I knew you''d be the kindest to me, Your Majesty!"


    Kylie simply gazed back at Jocelyn, a knowing smile on her lips.