Ellis had epted the coffee beans and the banknote, but his mouth seemed to be sealed tightly.


    "Once she meets Her Majesty, everything will be made clear," Ellis said. "Mrs. Farrell holds a noble title now, doesn''t she? I doubt she would act inappropriately." Lincoln smiled in response. "Indeed, Mr. Latham. You speak wisely."


    Though he was smiling, Lincoln inwardly cursed. Unless it was a matter of life and death, how could someone refuse to share a little information?


    -


    Carissa had nned to visit Gracewood Women''s Academy that day, as Jocelyn had started causing trouble again. Catherine had sent someone to inform herst night, asking her toe and manage the situation.


    Just as Carissa stepped outside, she saw the litter from the Farrell family approaching. The bearers were running fast, as though something urgent hade up. Carissa hurried over and asked, "Has something happened to the Farrell family?"


    Opal lifted the curtain and spoke quickly. "Your Grace, the queen has summoned my aunt to the pce. It''s likely regarding the marriage between Thomas and Ms. Jocelyn Quinton. My aunt is afraid the queen may issue a royal edict to force the marriage and is asking for your help."


    Carissa was taken aback. "Jocelyn? The one attending Gracewood Women''s Academy?"


    "Yes, that''s the one," Opal said, her tone anxious. "A matchmaker was sent yesterday to propose the marriage, but my aunt refused."


    Carissa understood immediately. She quickly ordered Violet to apany her to the pce to offer her greetings to the queen dowager. The two of them mounted their horses and set off at once.


    Meanwhile, Alice had already boarded her carriage and was heading to the pce with Ellis.


    Carissa and Violet arrived first and offered their greetings to Victoria. Victoria was known for being considerate of the concubines and otherdies in the pce, typically only calling them for formal greetings on the first and fifteenth days of the month. On the other hand, Salvador had alreadye earlier that morning to offer her his greetings.


    Upon hearing Carissa''s report, Victoria scowled. "Foolish matchmaking! Does she think I can''t see through her schemes?"


    Victoria knew full well what Kylie was after. It was all a y to use Thomas'' military influence to support Connor.


    Ever since the day Connor had shown contempt for Ryan, Victoria had been greatly displeased. The boy wasn''t yet fully grown-neither too young nor too old. Regardless, he had a teacher, and yet hecked manners and acted spoiled and willful. He seemed to think too highly of himself and looked down on everyone he met.


    After that incident, both the king and queen tried to discipline him. When he came to offer his greetings to Victoria, he was always on his best behavior. Still, despite his outward obedience, she saw the reluctance and resentment hidden behind the formalities.


    Kylie likely understood the situation all too well, which was why she sought to build connections for Connor. The Quinton family controlled nearly half the civil officials in the court, and many of the appointed officials in other regions were Malcolm''s former students.


    Though the Quinton family


    respected the military on the


    surface, they secretly looked down


    on the martial officials. Their current move to court the military officials was transparent to all.


    This was something Malcolm would never have done in the past. Ever since his scandal involving a


    mistress had been exposed,


    however, his reputation had


    vel


    suffered. It had likely thrown him off


    bnce.


    As soon as Alice arrived at Everspring Pce, Victoria''s head chambein, Keith appeared. He said that Kylie had been summoned, and her presence was needed immediately.


    Kylie hadn''t had the time to bring up


    Thomas and Jocelyn''s marriage when Keith appeared. She turned to him and said, "Please return first and tell Her Majesty that I''ll be there


    soon."


    en


    Keith smiled gently, maintaining his polite demeanor. "Her Majesty requested that youe immediately, Your Majesty. It would be best if you went now."


    Reluctantly, Kylie called for someone to entertain Alice while she and Lydia made their way to Serenity Pce.


    Carissa and Violet, of course, had already hidden themselves, ensuring Kylie wouldn''t spot them.


    "Greetings, Mother."


    Kylie entered the hall and bowed deeply, her fur cloak wrapped tightly around her to ward off the cold. The chill in the air had reddened her cheeks as she made her way here. "Sit down," Victoria said as she nodded slightly.


    "Thank you, Mother."


    Kylie rxed as the warmth of the room settled over her. She carefully removed her fur cloak and handed it to Lydia before sitting down slowly.


    "May I ask why you''ve summoned me so urgently, Mother?"


    Victoria had always shown respect to Kylie in the past, and today was no different.


    "On Midwinter''s Dawn," she said, "your aunt and younger cousin came to the pce. I was thinking, your cousin must have juste of age, right?"


    Kylie''s heart sank slightly, but she kept up the pretense of ignorance. "I''m not sure which cousin you mean, Mother."


    Victoria fixed her gaze on Kylie, not allowing her to feign confusion.


    "Your cousin from the fourth branch of your family, Jocelyn."