Chapter 403

Natasha jumped in fright at his sudden shout.

She hastily covered Evander’s mouth, whispering urgently, “Must you shout? Do you want everyone to know we’ve had sex?”

Evander scoffed coldly, his expression darkening.

Afraid he might make a scene, Natasha pleaded with him in a hushed voice.

After half an hour of coaxing, Evander finally, though grudgingly, forgave her.

Only when Natasha settled before the dressing table did the fog in her mind begin to clear. ‘Wait a second,’ she thought. ‘How did the roles get reversed? Wasn’t I supposed to be the one getting coaxed?’

After making all the formal rounds in the palace to pay her respects to the King and the Queen, Natasha felt like her legs were about to give out.

A few days later, Athena came to visit.

Natasha took her arm and poured out her grievances, telling Athena every detail of her wedding night.

Athena couldn’t believe her ears. She thought it was simply absurd.

‘And Evander had agreed to all the demands she made!’ Athena couldn’t believe it.

“So, are you still thinking about getting a divorce?” Athena asked.

Natasha replied with determination, “Absolutely. I can’t let my prime years get wasted, trapped within these manor walls. I’ve never seen the rolling hills of Southvale or the frozen plains of Northmarch. How could I let one small setback change everything I ever wanted?”

Athena forced a smile. “Well, that’s something.”

But deep down, she had a strong hunch that, no matter how determined Natasha sounded, nine times out of ten, she wouldn’t be able to walk away.

When she got back, Athena told Xander about that.

Xander looked genuinely surprised. “Natasha is so gutsy.”

Athena mused, “Everyone has their way of living. Life is long. Who knows what the future holds?”

“You’re right, my dear,” Xander agreed.

He casually pulled Athena into his arms. These days, cuddling with her was his favorite thing to do.

“Next May, let’s head to our fiefdom,” he said. “By then, our baby will be born, and we can enjoy the scenery along the way.”

Athena thought for a moment and said, “Sounds good.”

She’d grown tired of Pidence City anyway. So she thought a change of scenery would be nice.

Xander sighed, “Sometimes I wish time would fly by so I can meet our baby sooner, but other times I want it to slow down. Life feels too short. I want to spend not only this life with you, but the next, and the one after that.”

Since their marriage, Xander had become even more of a sweet-talker.

All those sweet words made Athena’s head spin.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed, “Then let’s make a pact. Never to part, in this life or the next. Next time, let’s meet sooner and be an ordinary couple.”

“Alright, I promise you,” Xander replied.

The lovebirds were whispering sweet nothings without a care in the world. Alexandra was about to walk in at that time, but she immediately backed out.

‘They’ve been married for a long time, yet their passion just never seems to fade. It’s truly vexing!’ Alexandra couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Sometimes, when Alexandra wanted to talk to Athena, she had to check first if Xander, her clingy husband, was around.

Athena heard the commotion and asked, “What’s going on out there?”

“Her Highness was just here,” came the reply from outside.

Athena blushed as she replied, “Got it.”

She gently pushed Xander away. “I’m going to check on Alexandra.”

She thought, ‘Alexandra must’ve been too embarrassed to come in and left. If it weren’t something important, she wouldn’t have come all this way. I should go and see what’s going on.’

Xander nodded. “Come back soon, then.”

Athena couldn’t help but smile. ‘As if I’d run away,’ she thought.

Trina supported Athena as they made their way to Alexandra’s courtyard. When she saw Athena, Alexandra eagerly pushed a package of crimson truffles toward her.

“I had someone bring this back from the Kingdom of Veyra,” Alexandra said warmly. “It’s wonderful for nourishing your health. Be sure to take some every day.”

Athena touched her rosy face in surprise, thinking to herself, ‘Look at me. I’m practically glowing! Who needs tonics? If anyone does, it’s Xander. He’s been so sick lately that he’s turned as pale as parchment. Honestly, he’s the one who needs these supplements.’

But since it was Alexandra’s thoughtful gift, Athena accepted it and said, “Thank you, Alexandra.”

Alexandra smiled contentedly and said, “Those two concubines Fermin married, they’re truly a sight to behold. I’ve never seen anything like that.”

“Oh? Do tell,” Athena said eagerly. Stuck in the courtyard all day, she was practically bored out of her mind and craved some juicy gossip.

“Those two fight tooth and nail every day. Fermin is running around like a spinning top. The Queen keeps a close eye on Fermin Manor and even had the imperial physicians prepare tonics to regulate their health,” Alexandra said.

A triumphant smirk touched Alexandra’s lips as she continued, “Those two concubines are all skin and bones, hardly the picture of fertility.”

Athena was speechless.

Alexandra couldn’t help but glance at Athena’s abdomen, her face brimming with pride. “You’re the one who truly makes me proud, bringing honor to me.”

Athena forced an awkward smile, thinking, “With Xander going at it like a plow horse every night, it’d be harder not to get pregnant.”

Two months passed in the blink of an eye, and it was time for Winona’s grand birthday celebration.

However, this year, there was no lavish event. Winona had consulted fortune-tellers, who advised that a grand celebration would not be auspicious for her well-being.

So, she hosted an intimate party in the palace, gathering all the imperial princes and royal descendants for a simple meal together.

Fermin arrived at the party with his two concubines in tow, while Evander sat with Natasha, and Athena was seated beside Xander.

Alexandra didn’t attend, claiming she wasn’t feeling well.

Athena knew the real reason was that Alexandra didn’t want to see Winona.

Winona, who had no desire to see Alexandra, was all smiles when she heard Alexandra wouldn’t be coming.

At the party, Winona turned to Fermin and brought up the matter of heirs. “Fermin, you’ve been married to your two concubines for over two months now, and still no sign of pregnancy?”

Fermin’s face paled with dread as he hastily stood up. “Grandmother, I’m still working on it.”

He had been dutifully visiting his concubines‘ places every night, but, strangely enough, neither of them had shown any sign of pregnancy.

Neither of them had conceived.

They had taken countless fertility tonics, but to no avail.

Lately, Fermin had been going out of his mind with anxiety.

Being questioned so publicly by Winona, Fermin felt his face burn with humiliation.

Out of the corner of his eye, Fermin noticed Evander and his wife, engrossed in their meal. Unable to contain his frustration, he redirected the blame toward them.

“Evander married at the same time as I did. Surely Natasha is expecting some good news soon, right?” Fermin said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Natasha was helping herself to a piece of smoked meat, puzzled by her suddenly ravenous appetite.

Moreover, she always felt hungry these days. She used to eat three meals a day, but now it was four plus midnight snacks. If not, she got unbearably hungry.

When Fermin aimed his jab at the pair, they exchanged a glance, knowing he was up to no good.

Evander quickly put down his fork and chuckled, “You can’t rush these things, Fermin. When the time is right, it’ll happen naturally.”

But Fermin wasn’t done with him yet. With a mocking chuckle, he said, “But I heard you and your wife aren’t even getting along these days. The rumor is, you’re sleeping in separate rooms.”

Word travelled fast. Natasha stared at Fermin in shock, her hands itching to slap that smug look right off his face.

Just as Natasha was about to retort, a sudden wave of nausea hit her.

Unable to control herself, she gagged and bolted out of the hall.

Seeing this, Evander quickly bowed to Winona. “Grandmother, I beg your pardon. I must check on my wife.”

Winona’s expression darkened. ‘What is Natasha trying to imply by throwing up at my birthday party? Does she disdain my food? How utterly ridiculous!’

Natasha was retching so violently she felt faint and utterly drained, barely clinging to consciousness. Evander was beside himself with worry, pacing back and forth like a caged animal.

The Queen’s expression suddenly darkened. ‘Could it be… Is she pregnant?’ she wondered.