The king and queen received Rafael and Canssa in the Great Hall.


    After the formalities and greetings. Salvador granted them seats. Kylie nced at Carissa, who was adomed with simple, elegant makeup and let out a slight sigh of relief. At least everything was settled."


    Had Canssa truly entered the pce, the harem might have be her domain. Her stunning and ethereal beauty was unmatched by any of the pce concubines.


    Instinctively, Kyle looked toward Salvador, she saw that he, too, was gazing at Carissa. A tightness gripped her heat-she was all too familiar with that look. Whenever Salvador was drawn to a woman, there was always a trace of lingering fascination in his gaze.


    Once again, Kylie felt a sense of relief that Carissa had married Rafael.


    embered how Salvador''s edict had kept her awake for nights on end. Any other woman might have been fine, but Carissa was different-her fallen brothers and father held significant weight Salvadors heart, and her beauty was truly breathtaking.


    Kyle''s fears hadn''te to pass. Instead, Carissa had be her sister-inw.


    Thus. Kyle''s smile toward Carissa today was genuine. No matter what Salvador might be thinking, he would not take his brother''s wife


    Kyle was not naive. Reflecting on Salvador''s maneuvers, it seemed clear that he had forced Rafael into


    marrying Carissa so that Rafael would sacrifice his military power in the process.


    Salvador had never truly intended to bring Canissa into the pce.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Whether Salvador regretted his decision or not was beyond Kylie''s concem. What mattered was that it was no longer possible


    Kylie understood that even if Carissa had entered the pce, her position would not be shaken. However, the harem''s peace would have been disrupted, and scheming for favor would be inevitable. If the harem became ndded with schemes, even a virtuous and capable queen would struggle to maintain control.


    As a wife, Kyle womed about Salvador''s genuine affection being directed at another woman.


    The king could favor concubines, but not truly love them.


    Kylie''s greater concern was the potential damage to her own reputation as a virtuous queen.


    Salvador nced at Carissa for a few moments, but soon turned his attention away. He understood his own feelings-there might be a trace of romantic interest in Carissa, but maintaining stability in the kingdom and ensuring peace between brothers were far more important.


    As the saying went, one couldn''t have it both ways.


    Salvador understood this well.


    Seated on the throne, he was bound to sacrifice some things and engage in schemes, even against his own younger brother.


    The two brothers began discussing family matters, which soon turned to official business, specifically questions about cases in the Supreme Court.


    With the New Year approaching and the need to finalize many decisions, some cases required early resolution. Since some of these matters were rted to the previous generation, it was inappropriate for Kylie and Carissa to remain present.


    Kylie thus invited Carissa to view the orchids. As they walked outside, a group of attendants followed at a


    distance.


    Kylie smiled, and said, "I know you grew up in Meadow Ridge, and they say the most beautiful orchids in the kingdom are from Meadow Ridge. I hope you''ll still enjoy the ones here, even if they''re not as impressive."


    Carissa replied with a smile, "That''s a misunderstanding. In reality, every ce''s orchids are unique, each with its own beauty."


    Wrapped in her warm coat, Kyle chuckled. "Indeed, each has its own beauty. Life is truly remarkable. I initially thought we would be sisters, but unexpectedly, we became sisters-inw. Regardless, there is a real connection between us."


    "There certainly is," Carissa said, untroubled by the topic.


    Everyone understood the situation, and there was no need to feign ignorance. After all, everything was settled, and avoiding honest conversations would only lead to misunderstandings and cause unhappiness.


    As they reached the flowers, Kylie suddenly remarked. "Next year, Kiera will also be married. I''ve heard that she has some mutual understanding with my sixth brother, Logan, but Helen has her sights set on my fifth brother, Marcus. Carissa, I believe mutual affection is best. If there are too many schemes involved in the marriage, everyone will end up unhappy. Don''t you think?"


    Carissa pondered for a moment, and understood Kylie''s implication.


    She smiled, and said, "Your Majesty speaks the truth. However, I am merely Kiera''s sister-inw. Her marriage is not something I can decide. I can, however, understand and support her feelings." Kylie felt a renewed admiration for Carissa. Speaking with her was effortless.