Chapter 8
The great hall instantly erupted in celebration.
“Oh, Anna truly is blessed. She’s only been part of the family for a few months, and is carrying a child. Congratulations!”
The Empress immediately give orders. “Go inform Kael at once–hurry!”
The palace maids and attendants left bearing to deliver the news
A group of noble ladies and young mistresses gathered around me, offering their congratulations.
“Congratulations, Princess Anna.”
Amid the crowd’s attention, Chara stepped forward as well.
“Congratulations, Your Highness. You are clearly favored by the Light. I heard that ever since you married Roel, he hasn’t taken a single concubine or
even let a maid get close. You’ve had him all to yourself–no wonder you conceived so soon
“Now that Princess Anna is with child, perhaps it’s time to help Karl find a few suitable companions to serve him.”
“There are many line young ladies here today. Why not let Her Highness select someone who might be fit to serve Kael in the castle:””
I glanced at the surrounding faces. Though some royal daughters may have longed to marry Kael, how could the proud elven princesses tolerate being paraded like market goods?
Resting a hand on my belly, I smiled.
“We are all descendants of the Stars. Even if His Highness Karl desired companionship, we must still honor the ancient Covenant of Light and receive them with solemn ceremony. How could we allow such casual selection as the Princess Chara suggests?”
My words brought some color back to their faces, and the gazes toward Chara began to shift.
Chara hit her lip and looked at me with ill intent
“In the end, you just don’t want other women in the castle sharing Koel’s love Why pretend to be so magnanimous?“”
*When did matters of my household become your concern? Kael strode into the hall at that moment, just in time to catch her words. His voice was sharp and direct.
He came straight to me, grasping my hands tightly
“Anne, you’re pregnant? We’re going to be parents?”
“Are you feeling unwell? Should I call a physician to check on you again? Someone bring the pickled cucumber sandwich–now, for Anna.”
“It’s stifling in here. If anyone upsets you, don’t pay them any mind. Tell me, and I’ll deal with it.”
At that, Chara’s expression darkened.
*Kael, what are you saying? I’m only trying to look out for you–as your sister–in–law.”
Keal looked at her with disdain.
“Sister–in–law? Chara, my royal brother is older than me and still childless. Instead of focusing on extending the royal line, you have the time to meddle in others” affairs?”
“I’m perfectly content with Anna. We don’t need anyone else in the castle.
He added coolly, “But you, Princess Chare–you’ve been married for months and still haven’t conceived. Perhaps it’s my brother who needs a new companion. Wouldn’t you agree?“”
Chara’s brows shot up in anger. “How dare you speak to me with such disrespect!”
The Empress interjected.
Chara, Anna has just become pregnant. She carries the Starhold family’s first grandchild. Don’t speak nonsense that might upset her and harm the baby”
You’ve failed to conceive for the Crown Prince, but Anna has brought life to our Starlight bloodline. If anyone dares harbor ill Intentions, I’ll report it directly to the Emperor.”
She added, “That’s enough, Chara. Set your jealousy aside and serve the Crown Prince well. Give me a grandchild–that’s what truly matters.” Chapter 8
DramaWave
Chara, seeing the mocking looks in the eyes around her, finally broke down,
“Your Majesty, it’s not that I don’t want to serve the Crown Prince–it’s Anna! She seduces him every day, drives a wedge between us. He won’t even enter my chambers anymore!”
rose and strode toward her, slapping her hard across the face.
“Chara, I don’t care if you’re the Crown Princess. If you dare slander me like that again, I won’t let it slide.”
“You think being the Crown Princess makes you superior? Don’t forget–I am still a princess of Elansia. Even if I weren’t Karl’s wife, you’d still owe me respect.”
“If you’ve lost his favor, perhaps you should reflect on yourself instead of blaming others. Have you ever thought about easing the Crown Prince’s burden by offering him new companionship?
“If I were you, I would’ve already brought someone new into the castle to carry on the royal line. Yet you monopolize him, and he doesn’t even look your
Clutching her face, Chara was about to retort when the Crown Prince himself entered.
“Chara, enough.”
“You’ve gone too far. As my wife, you dare speak like this in front of the Empress and noble ladies? Return to the Starlight Palace at once.” J that moment, the Empress spoke again,
“Crown Prince, nortnally I wouldn’t meddle in your affairs at Starlight Palace. But heirs are a matter of state. You’ve been married for quite some time, and still there’s been no good news,”
“Ar tonight’s Moonshadow Banquet, I realized that the daughter of the Knight Commander and the council speaker’s daughter are both excellent matches.”
Now that Anna is pregnant, let’s take this as a good omen. I decree that both young ladies be named as your secondary consorts, and a wedding shall be arranged soon.”
