Her Graceful War Song

Gillian brought over the list, which was detailed with names, hometowns, ages, years of entry into the palace, and the specific palaces where they had served. On the surface, everything seemed in order. Only three individuals had served in other palaces-Leslie, Janice, and Sonia.

Leslie had previously served Wanda, one of the late king's noble concubines. After Wanda's death, the queen dowager had reassigned Leslie to Helen. Janice and Sonia had originally served Lauren, a concubine the late king had favored. Her death had been sudden, reportedly due to an acute illness.

After Lauren's death, in a fit of anger, the late king sentenced everyone who had served her to death. Janice and Sonia had only been spared because Victoria had transferred them to serve Helen, who had been sick at the time.

Most of the remaining servants had been brought into the palace by Helen from her residence. Gillian, being Helen's wet nurse and having raised her, was not suspected of any issues. The servants Helen brought from her home were unlikely to pose any problems either.

Carissa instructed that extra attention be paid to the three individuals who had previously served in other palaces and to report any irregularities immediately.

As soon as the invitations for the birthday banquet were sent out, a few people immediately began plotting. One such person was Jessica, who specifically invited Serena to Harmony Palace and asked the latter to accompany her to Helen's birthday banquet.

Serena was reluctant to go. She harbored lingering resentment towards Carissa, her former sister-in-law. Why did Carissa get all the luck? How did she end up as the Hell Monarch's princess consort? On the day of the banquet, aside from Helen, Carissa would undoubtedly be the center of attention. Serena had no desire to watch her former sister-in-law bask in the spotlight and flaunt her success. However, she dared not refuse Jessica directly, especially since she had already made a mess of things previously, and was fortunate that Jessica still wished to maintain relations with her.

So, Serena replied diplomatically, "Our family didn't receive an invitation to the banquet, so wouldn't it be a bit inappropriate for me to attend?"

Jessica smiled and said, "The invitation was sent to my mother and also to my in-laws. Since it's an invitation to me, I am free to bring anyone I choose."

Serena forced a smile and replied, "You make a valid point, Lady Jessica. It's just..."

"Do you still want to be Rafael's concubine? Tomorrow, I'll create an opportunity for you. If you fall in front of him and he catches you, he will have no choice but to take you as his concubine," said Jessica, her impatience evident.

Serena's eyes widened in sudden, intense joy. "Really? If I get what I wish for, I'll never forget the assistance you and Grand Princess Eleanor gave me."

"There will be many witnesses

present. As long as he catches youCcontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

and holds you in his arms, he will have to take responsibility for ruining your reputation. I know

Rafaelwell-he is a responsible.net

and wouldn't let an innocent woman be mocked and left without being able to marry in the future," Jessica replied.

Serena's excitement was palpable, her mind swirling with thoughts of Rafael's handsome and imposing face. Her heart raced with

anticipation. She knew she was not as beautiful as Carissa, but she was younger and untouched. If her wish came true, Rafael would surely favor and cherish her.

Jessica continued, "When the time comes, I'll make sure you have the right clothes and jewelry. But you have to keep this secret-don't tell anyone. Your household is already known for not keeping things in order. If the servants find out and word gets out, it could ruin your

entire future."

"Yes, I'll definitely keep it a secret," Serena promised, trying to calm her racing heart. The thought of Rafael made her face burn with a deep blush.

After Serena left, Jessica scoffed, "What a fool."

"Does she really think she can join the royal family with her status? It's her own greed that blinds her. She has only herself to blame," Eleanor said with a cold glint in her eyes.

Rafael would never take Serena as a concubine, but if he were to catch her, it could become a scandal that would tarnish his reputation.

"Mom, Serena may be hopeless, but we should still find someone suitable to marry Rafael as a concubine. That way, we will have control over all future actions at his household," said Jessica.