Chapter 406
Athena’s and Natasha’s pregnancies had indeed stirred up a lot of trouble in the court. Especially Evander Manor; the people who came to congratulate almost broke the threshold. Although some people came to Xander Manor, it was far less crowded than Evander Manor.
Natasha lay on the couch, listless, with empty eyes. She didn’t understand how she could have gotten pregnant with just that one shot. What made her even more speechless was that all the people who came to congratulate her had flattering faces. She knew exactly what these people were thinking. It was nothing more than seeing that Arthur had rewarded her with many things, and they thought that Evander Manor had gained favor, and the position of Crown Prince might fall on Evander.
But Evander didn’t fight or snatch; he was just a carefree prince. Even if the King wanted to pass the throne to him, he would not accept it. Finally, Evander, becoming weary of it all, simply closed the doors of Evander Manor and refused to see any more guests. It was not until Arthur warned these court officials that they restrained themselves somewhat.
Half a month later, Ray returned to Pidence City. Accompanying him was an envoy from Northcold. Ray entered the palace to report back; he was covered in dust from his journey and had not even had time to change into his court attire. After settling the Northcold envoy, he prepared to leave the palace. However, as he came out of the Heaven Hall, he saw a familiar figure.
Athena was dressed in Princess Consort attire. After so many days apart, her beauty had only increased. What surprised Ray, however, was that Athena was being supported by a maid, appearing to have difficulty moving. He beckoned and summoned a confidant, asking, “Mrs. Cavendish, have you been feeling unwell?”
Athena was so careful that she didn’t even dare to take big steps. The confidant thought, ‘Could it be that her leg was injured?’ He looked flustered and dared not look at Ray. He squeezed out a few words from his throat, “Your Highness, Princess Consort is in good health.”
Ray asked, “Then why is she being so careful?”
“Because Princess Consort is pregnant.” Some things couldn’t be hidden, so the confidant simply said everything in one breath, “Moreover, she is pregnant with twins. Today is the day to enter the palace to see the Queen Mother, so…” The confidant didn’t say the rest of the words. The imperial consorts did not have to enter the palace every day to pay their respects to the Queen Mother, but on the first and fifteenth day of each month, they still had to enter the palace to make a show of it. Today was the fifteenth day of the month, and Athena came to pay her respects to the Queen Mother, which was why Ray encountered her.
He thought it would be a pleasant surprise, but he didn’t expect it to be a blow to Ray. He looked at Athena in disbelief, his face turning pale in an instant, and muttered, “She’s pregnant, with his child?” Sorrow surged in his heart, and Ray’s gaze stuck to Athena, unable to separate.
His confidant anxiously reminded him, “Your Highness, there are many ears in the palace. You should restrain yourself.” However, Ray couldn’t hear what his confidant said at all. He strode forward, bypassed the long corridor, and finally stood in front of Athena when she was about to leave the imperial garden.
Athena was indeed a little surprised by Ray’s sudden appearance. After not seeing him for many days, she found that his fair chin had grown stubble, making him look a little worn. After coming back to her senses, she smiled at him slightly. “When did you return to Pidence City? Was this trip smooth?”
Although Athena was still the same as before, her smile and tone were much more distant. She even deliberately distanced herself when talking to him.
Trina looked at Ray warily, afraid that he would go crazy and say something he shouldn’t to Athena, or she was afraid that he would make an excessive move in the heat of the moment. But Ray just stood there quietly, looking at Athena with a sad expression. In the end, he didn’t say anything and nodded gently to Athena. “Everything is fine.”
It seemed that there was no other topic except such polite words. Athena smiled very politely. “Alright, I’ll take a step first.” Ray was silent for a while, and finally gave way. But just as Athena passed him, he couldn’t help but ask, “Now that you are pregnant, be careful.”
Athena nodded slightly to him, and then left without looking back. It wasn’t until she had walked a long way that Trina saw Ray still standing there. He looked in the direction where Athena left, with a look of loss. Trina said, “Princess Consort, Ray…”
“No need to say more. He and I have long been strangers, and now we are just ordinary friends.” Athena’s expression was firm. The palace was full of watchful eyes and prying ears. Even if she had nothing to do with Ray, she was afraid of being used by people with ulterior motives. Trina saw that Athena’s expression was serious, so she put away her sympathetic look and followed Athena out of the palace.
Ray didn’t lower his eyes until Athena completely disappeared. The tenderness in his eyes disappeared, replaced by endless hatred. He slowly opened his hands, and his palms were blurred. Unconsciously, he actually hurt himself all over.
“Are you unwilling to let go?” The female voice that suddenly appeared behind him made Ray vigilant.
Turning back, he saw Kendra in a palace dress, standing behind him. She looked at him with a smile in her eyes, but in Ray’s eyes, it felt sharp and threatening, like a hidden blade behind a gentle touch. No one knew when she appeared, perhaps when he was talking to Athena, or after Athena left.
A coldness flashed in Ray’s eyes, and he asked unceremoniously, “What did you see?”
Kendra was not afraid of him at all, and smiled threateningly at him. “I saw you’re unable to forget your old love for Athena, and being reluctant to part, but Athena abandoned you, and even hated to look at you…”
Before she could finish her words, her neck was tightly grasped by Ray. His eyes were full of murderous intent, and he gritted his teeth and said, “What are you? How dare you speak wildly to her? Believe it or not, I can make you disappear without a trace?”
Ray’s ruthlessness made Kendra a little afraid. But as she thought of Athena, her eyes became fearless again. “Ray, you are so pitiful, you can’t even protect the woman you love, and now she is pregnant with someone else’s child, but you can only pretend to be generous and bless her. You think you are great, but in my eyes, you are just a coward. If you can’t be with the person you love, what is the point of living?”
Ray’s grip suddenly tightened, his eyes horrified. “I told you to shut up.”
Kendra said, “I have a plan that can make Athena change her mind. Don’t you want to be with her?”
Kendra’s words seemed bewitching, making Ray lose his mind. He wanted to be with Athena. But she was happy now, and he shouldn’t disturb her. But what Kendra said was not wrong. If he couldn’t even be with the person he liked, there was no point of him living.
She continued, “I can help you be with Athena forever. I know that your trip to the princess’s fiefdom is not just to escort her coffin. Ray, this is your only chance. Think carefully and come to me when you’ve decided.” After Kendra finished speaking, she forcefully broke free from Ray’s hand.