Of course, Carissa couldn't share her thoughts with Derek, so she simply thanked him and left. After that, Salvador continued the same routine of summoning her for idle conversation after court meetings. Sometimes, these sessions lasted an hour, and other times, they lasted two hours. Gradually, Carissa learned to take it in stride.

As his subject, if Salvador wanted her to act like a competent friend, she could oblige. Still, she couldn't help but think about how these midday breaks, a time the king should have spent resting, were now wasted on trivial chatter.

During this period, Grace visited a few times to deliver soup. Sylvia also came by, as did Penelope and even Jeanette.

Since the royal study was off-limits to the concubines, these women couldn't enter. Instead, they had to hand the soups to Derek, who would deliver them inside. However, if they brought along one of the princes or princesses, they were allowed to step into the study for a brief visit.

Perhaps because the concubines knew Carissa was often present, they always brought along a portion of soup for her as well. She would sometimes sip her share and wonder: If someone ever plotted to poison the king and the toxin was hidden in one of these soups, would she have to die alongside him? Today, Grace came, accompanied by Caden. Salvador allowed the mother and son into the study. Carissa had met Grace a few times while in the royal study. Her impression of the woman had always been favorable. Grace carried herself with quiet elegance, and Caden-young as he was-was well- mannered, a testament to his mom's capable upbringing.

Salvador clearly had a soft spot for the boy. Whenever Caden visited, the king's face would light up with genuine warmth.

Grace smiled as she directed the palace attendants to bring in the soup. Two bowls were placed on the table, one specifically for Carissa.

"I heard you coughing a bit the other day, Your Grace. So, I asked the cooks to prepare a bowl of honey and herb-infused broth this morning. It's good for soothing the lungs and easing coughs," Grace said warmly.

Carissa offered her thanks, "You've gone to so much trouble, Your Grace."

"It was just a simple request to the cooks. It was no trouble at all. There's no need to be so polite," Grace replied with a warm smile, then gestured for Carissa to drink. "Go on now, drink it while it's hot."

"Alright."

Carissa didn't stand on ceremony. The soups in the palace were always lavishly prepared, and since her

throat had indeed been bothering her these past few days, the soup seemed perfect.

Salvador took a sip of his own bowl, then stood and leaned closer to examine Carissa's soup.

Seeing the pale yellow broth with its delicate fragrance, he smiled and complained, "Why is my soup so dark and bitter? Give me some of yours."

Both Grace and Carissa froze for a moment.

Carissa was already drinking hers, straight from the small stew pot, nonoveldrama

less. Since it contained barely more

than a single serving, she didn't bother pouring it into a bowl, figuring she would just drink it straight from the pot and be on her way

Salvador seemed completely unfazed and instructed, "Derek, bring a bowl. Pour some from Lady Carissa's stew pot for me."

Seeing Derek step forward, Carissa panicked and hastily gulped down the rest in one go.

Flipping the empty stew pot upside down, she grinned cheekily. "You can't steal Lady Grace's good intentions from me, Your Majesty. She made it just for me."

Salvador burst out laughing. "You little rascal. Still as possessive as you were when you were a child. Fine. Grace, you'll have to make me some tomorrow."

Grace, who had briefly looked

startled, quickly recovered with a smooth smile. "Of course, Your Majesty. But you should finish the broth you already started drinking. I made it myself-stewed game hen with valerian root and wormwood. It's a little strong with a hint of bitterness, but it's nourishing."

"A hint of bitterness is still bitter," Salvador said, glancing at Carissa with a mischievous look. "Here, pour some for Lady Carissa. I can't finish all of this.""

Carissa's expression nearly fell.

What was he doing? Why was he doing this?!

Just as the tension was about to become unbearable, Caden-hands folded behind his back like a little scholar chimed in solemnly, "Dad, you can't share the soup you've already tasted with Aunt Carissa. It's improper for men and women to share like that."

The smile on Salvador's face froze for the briefest moment before he recovered, laughing. "You're right, son. Lady Carissa is married now. She's an adult, yet I'm still treating her like the little girl she used to be. My mistake."

He sat back down and looked at Carissa, a nostalgic smile on his face. "How time flies. You've grown up so quickly."

Carissa noticed the meaningful glance Grace sent her way, and the fake smile she had been holding onto started to crack.

Bowing quickly, she said, "Your Majesty, I still have work to attend to. Please excuse me."