One by one, the members of the royal family and their rtives who were in the capital began arriving at the pce.


    Harvey and Heather, along with several of the grand princesses, arrived together. The grand princesses came with their spouses and children, creating a bustling crowd that immediately filled the hall with lively chatter.


    Next to arrive were the two high princesses who had recently descended from their elevated positions of grand princesses, Meredith and Henrietta. Both were the king''s sisters. Meredith, the elder, was born to the queen dowager and was Salvador''s elder sister. Henrietta was the daughter of Josephine, and was Salvador''s younger sister.


    Meredith was married to Levi Wright, the second son of the


    Oversight Department''s minister, Irvin Wright. Levi was an optimistic and easy-going man, holding a nominal position in the Protocol Department.


    The Wright family was Natalie''s maternal family, known for its schrly traditions. However, Irvin, known for his strong-willed and stubborn nature, was someone who even dared to defy the king.


    Despite having her royal residence, Meredith still observed the traditional custom of paying her respects at the Wright family''s. residence on the first and fifteenth of each month. This was a sign of respect for her role as a daughter-inw, and Irwin wouldn''t allow her to act differently, despite her royal status.


    Nevertheless, Meredith and her husband lived harmoniously. Also, the queen dowager had raised her well, and Meredith didn''t act arrogantly toward the Wright family. As a result, the Wright family spoke highly of her.


    of Defense,


    e helped


    Henrietta married Vance, the nephew of the Minist Davis. Vance didn''t settle for a simple post. Inste manage the estates and shops for Henrietta, proving to be a skilled.


    businessman.


    Carissa nced around, but did not spot Leona.


    Though Leona was part of the royal family, she was naturally spending New Year''s Eve with her husband''s family. Carissa was not fond of Leona''s husband and suspected that Leona might have endured considerable hardship due to the man''s rigid and outdated beliefs.


    As she was lost in thought, Victoria said to Heather, "Leona hasn''te to greet me for some time."


    Heather smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, Leona is expecting a child and is currently resting at home to ensure a healthy pregnancy."


    "Really? That''s wonderful," Victoria said with a beaming smile. "I was actually nning to send a royal physician to check on her. It''s been quite a while since she moved into her new home, and there hadn''t been any news. I didn''t expect that you''d bring such good news during on New Year''s Eve."


    Heather looked relieved. "Yes, she''s expecting, so I''m at ease. Moreover, the Earl of Gracehold''s family, upon learning of her pregnancy, specially provided many items for her and even increased the number of attendants. They''ve shown great consideration."


    However, Henrietta remarked coolly, "Indeed, they''ve been considerate. Not only did they provide extra items and attendants, but they also added two concubines."


    Heather''s expression faltered momentarily, but she quick


    recovered with a smile. "Concubines are just trinkets, are... they? No.


    need to make a fuss about it."


    Henrietta scoffed. "Why should items and maids be worth.


    mentioning but not concubines? Why is it eptable to discuss adding concubines to the household?"


    Meredith''s face darkened. "How can a man take a concubine when


    his wife is pregnant? What kind of family does such a thing? If there aren''t enough attendants, he could have simply promoted the maids that followed Leona when she married into his family. To bring in concubines at this time-isn''t he worried about how this might affect


    Leona and the child?"


    In the capital''s noble circles, taking concubines was rare. But if someone did take a concubine, it was done with discretion. Leona


    had not been married long, and she was pregnant-how could her husband justify taking concubines now? Besides, didn''t he already have two low-ranking concubines before taking in his current two


    concubines?Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    At this moment, introducing more concubines would only be ant embarrassment!


    Meredith continued, "It''s already


    disgraceful to take concubines at such a time. It also hurts Leona''s feelings. How can you, as Leona''s mother, not feel distressed for your daughter, but instead defend your son-inw? It''s truly


    disheartening."


    As the king''s elder sister and the queen dowager''s own daughter, Meredith was known for her stern demeanor. Her words left Heather


    speechless, and she could only awkwardly retreat.


    Uninterested, Harvey dismissed the matter. To him, taking


    XNXXX was so big deal-what Bhan didn''t have concubines?


    Canase observed the reactions of Harvey and Heather, and felt a deep chill Her heart ached for Leona


    Now would Leona get through this New Year?