Once the speculation began to spread, some court officials encouraged Malcolm to approach Kylie for an answer.

If these rumors proved true, it would be a matter of great consequence!

The Hell Monarch was still embroiled in war at the Southern Frontier. If his wife was the subject of such rumors, how could he possibly remain focused on the battle?

Even Davis was deeply concerned. He sought out Malcolm personally and explained the serious implications.

"The Hell Monarch is fighting for his life out there. This could not come at a worse time. We cannot allow such a scandal to derail his efforts," Davis said.

After a brief pause, he added, "I hear Lord Wright intends to make an Oathbound Plea for His Majesty to clarify matters at court tomorrow."

An Oathbound Plea was when a court official made a desperate, unwavering petition to the king, sometimes at the risk of their own life or career.

"The situation hasn't even been investigated and they're already resorting to such an extreme move? Lord Wright can't be that reckless, can he?" asked Malcolm, startled.

Davis gave a wry smile. "He's forcing His Majesty's hand. If this continues, the rumors will reach the Southern Frontier and Victory Pass soon enough. If that happens, the damage will be irreparable!" Despite his personal flaws, Malcolm had the sense to recognize the gravity of the situation. He couldn't ignore the growing momentum behind these rumors.

What made matters more complicated was that this whole affair had started with Kylie sending someone to Hell Monarch Estate. If the king's intentions were truly behind it, the queen would certainly know. Malcolm knew he needed to speak with Kylie directly to clear up the matter.

However, as a court official, he was not permitted to enter the harem without royal orders. He decided he would have to go home and explain the situation to Marjorie, hoping she might be able to get to the bottom of it.

Marjorie had also heard of the rumors, but what she had heard were the whispers of the common folk. Some claimed that Carissa was simply a jealous woman, while others quickly countered that the Hell Monarch had long sworn he would never take a concubine.

There were also those who criticized Janelle, calling her a woman of ill repute and lacking in virtue. They believed it was her infamous character that led to Carissa's rejection, suggesting that had it been another noble lady, the match might have been approved.

When she first heard the news, Marjorie had thought Kylie was being underhanded. As a woman, she felt that the worst thing one could do was interfere in another's marriage.

But when Malcolm mentioned that it might be Salvador's will, Marjorie found it hard to believe. The king was not a man driven by weakness or lust. He would never be foolish enough to covet his own brother's wife.

Still, when she heard of Salvador's late-night visit to Carissa after her injury, she became uncertain. Regardless, when she learned that Irvin was preparing to risk his life to make an Oathbound Plea at court, it was clear that the situation was escalating. She agreed to go to the palace herself to see what could be done.noveldrama

The mother-daughter pair had not been on the best terms lately, but the queen knew that she could not afford to alienate her mother. So, when Marjorie finally agreed to visit the palace, Kylie thought it was a perfect opportunity to mend their relationship.

However, she was taken aback when her mother asked about Janelle and whether Salvador's will was behind the match.

With a self-assured smile, Kylie responded, "Mom, before we discuss that, could you tell me if anyone from the Earl of Southstead's family has gone to Lady Carissa to seek justice?"

Marjorie thought for a moment, considering the rumors she had heard, then replied, "I haven't heard anything of the sort."

Kylie frowned. "There hasn't been anything?"

Surely the people of the Earl of Southstead's family weren't so weak, right?

"Then, has anything been said about Lady Carissa's jealousy?" Kylie asked.

"Of course. But with her military achievements, those who speak ill of her are few Most people actually praise the bond between her and Prince Rafael, saying they share a deep and loving marriage. They said it was best for His Highness to not have a secondary wife disrupting their relationship. Most of the criticism is directed to Lady Xavier," Marjorie replied.

"How could this happen?" Kylie mused, disappointed.

"So, was this His Majesty's will? Does he want to give the Hell Monarch a secondary wife?"

That was all Marjorie cared about. Gossip could be dealt with, but if Irvin made an Oathbound Plea, things would spiral out of control.

Kylie couldn't understand why no one was calling Carissa jealous. Hearing her mom's question, she was momentarily stunned.

"How could this be His Majesty's will? Why would he meddle in the inner affairs of Hell Monarch Estate?" Marjorie straightened up. "So, it's not His Majesty's will, it's yours?"

Kylie clenched her handkerchief tightly, her voice calm but firm as she replied, "It was my idea. Lady Carissa and Prince Rafael have been married for a while, yet there's no sign of a child. For the sake of the royal family's future, I thought of finding one or two suitable women to help preserve Prince Rafael's lineage."

She didn't dare admit that it was just an excuse to bring Carissa into the palace and convince her to

resign. And if that failed, she planned to use it as leverage against her.

Marjorie's eyes widened at her

daughter's words. "You did this on your own? Do you realize what a disaster you've caused? The court officials all think it was His Majesty's decision to find the Hell Monarch a secondary wife. And now they

believe he and Lady Carissa..."

She sighed. "This misunderstanding is huge. Because of this, you might end up getting Lord Wright

killed!"