Once Kylie had settled into her seat, Carissa and Lulu approached and knelt respectfully.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.”
Kylie’s gentle voice drifted down from above, “Lady Sinclair, there is no need for such formality. Please rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Carissa and Lulu stood, but remained in their place.
Kylie assessed Carissa. She had seen this woman before, and even then, Carissa’s beauty had been striking. Now, having returned from the battlefield, her complexion had changed, but she was still undeniably a breathtaking beauty, capable of withstanding the scrutiny of any observer.
Kylie thought about Salvador’s instruction to inquire whether Carissa would be willing to enter the palace. The thought made her stomach churn with unease.
A capable and stunning woman like Carissa might become the king’s favored concubine if she entered the palace. Though she would never surpass the queen in rank, winning Salvador’s heart could render Kylie’s position precarious.
Yet, Kylie had always been known for her grace and virtue. As someone in a higher position, she couldn’t afford to display any hint of jealousy.
Thus, she merely offered a few words of praise, acknowledging Carissa’s contributions to the Southern Frontier, before adding with a hint of significance, “General Warren failed to recognize your worth, Lady Sinclair. And so, a pearl that should have been precious is now being unfairly devalued due to its past.”
+15 BONUS
The remark was quite straightforward, implying that Carissa had been married before and was therefore not as precious as an
untouched maiden.
Carissa caught the underlying message, but was puzzled as to why Kylie said this to her.
Kylie sipped her tea, her sleeve lightly brushing the edge of the cup. As if making a firm decision, she looked up at Carissa and said, ” Fortunately, a pearl is always a pearl. Any dust can be easily brushed away. You shouldn’t belittle yourself, Lady Sinclair. There will always be someone who appreciates the brilliance of a pearl.”
It was clear to Carissa now-Kylie was suggesting a marriage match.
Though this displeased Carissa, she maintained her composure and smiled slightly.
“Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. The past is behind us. I am not one to dwell on bygone matters. One must look forward in life. Your comparison of me to a pearl is indeed flattering.
“I have spent my childhood training in Meadow Ridge, and am used to a wild and free lifestyle. Returning to the capital and being
constrained by the norms of the city has felt quite restrictive. Thankfully, I am now back at my family estate. Also, having severed ties with the Warrens, I find myself much more at ease.”
In other words, Carissa wasn’t interested in marriage-her independence was too valuable.
Carissa hoped her words would dissuade Kylie from acting as a matchmaker.
Kylie merely smiled, clearly dismissing Carissa’s comments as mere polite words meant to preserve her image. Recalling Salvador’s instructions, Kylie decided to be straightforward. After all, she had already implied that Carissa was a tarnished pearl. If Carissa were
perceptive, she would understand to decline.
Kylie’s face brightened with a warm, affectionate smile. “Lady Sinclair, you are candid and graceful, qualities I deeply admire. If you were to enter the palace and become my sister, I believe His Majesty would be greatly pleased.”
Carissa’s lips parted slightly as she stared at Kylie in surprise.
What did Kylie mean by saying Salvador would be pleased if she became Kylie’s sister in the palace? Wasn’t this a veiled suggestion for her to become a concubine?
Carissa had just returned from battle with a military title. It was impossible for the current queen to interfere with matters of the previous court.
Moreover, Kylie likely didn’t want her to enter the palace. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have used the phrase about a pearl being tarnished to embarrass Carissa.
So, was it indeed Salvador who had prompted this questioning session? Why would Salvador have such intentions?
With a shift in her gaze, Carissa smiled and replied, “Your Majesty, if you like me, I would be honored to consider you as my elder sister. I am currently alone in my family, and have long wished for a sister to care for me.”
Kylie’s expression brightened immediately. Her previous cloud of concern lifted, and she responded with a radiant smile, “If I had a sister like you, who is both valiant and graceful, I would wake up smiling from such a dream.”
Carissa rose, and bowed gracefully with a wide smile. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for not finding me lacking. I shall indeed keep this sisterly bond in my heart. I hope, when the time comes to discuss a marriage match, you might lend a discerning eye as my elder sister,
Your Majesty.”
“Of course,” Kylie said cheerfully. She called to the attendants in the hall, “Carissa’s tea has gone cold. Please bring her a fresh cup.”
The second cup of tea was high-quality tea leaves. After Carissa thanked her with a smile and took a sip, she settled back to drink slowly, feeling puzzled.
Salvador had no personal motives regarding her. So, there must be another reason he wanted her to enter the palace.
What could it be…?
