In the Doghouse - Chapter 174
However, Courtney’s forgiveness toward her maid and the chief aide didn’t imply that Richard’s mistakes were insignificant. The fact that he hadn’t actually been unfaithful didn’t soothe her wounded heart. In fact, it might have been easier if he had briefly strayed.
She had spent her entire life cleaning up after her irresponsible family. Marriage was supposed to be about creating a new family, and to her, reliability was more important than anything else.
Richard had completely shattered that trust.
Before Anton could say anything misguided, she cut him off.
“Please go now. You know that I need rest.”
Courtney emphasized her point by placing her hand on her still-flat stomach. After confirmation from the imperial physician, her pregnancy had become known throughout the palace. While it hadn’t been formally announced to the public, it wouldn’t be long before word spread throughout the capital.
Anton bowed his head apologetically. The Emperor had made it clear to everyone within the palace that no one should pressure the Crown Princess in any way.
In a subdued voice, Anton replied, “Yes, I’ll take my leave.”
As soon as he turned to leave, Rebecca hurried to drape a thick blanket over Courtney’s shoulders. Now that she knew about the pregnancy, Rebecca had become fussier than ever. Though a bit embarrassed, Courtney allowed it. Rebecca’s anxious attentiveness was almost endearing.
Anton opened the door, and Courtney stole a glance through the open doorway. Just as he had been that morning, Richard stood outside like a statue.
She muttered to herself, loud enough for those nearby to hear.
“Doesn’t he realize he’s just being a nuisance standing there?”
Anton flinched at her comment, quickly left the room, and closed the door. Courtney sighed deeply.
With her pregnancy officially acknowledged, Courtney had stepped back from her duties. There was still so much to be done, including preparations for the winter, and seeing Richard simply loitering outside only deepened her frustration.
Rebecca, glancing between the closed door and Courtney, cautiously suggested,
“Your Highness, he’s been standing there all this time… perhaps you could hear him out?”
“No,” Courtney replied, her tone firm.
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
Rebecca fell silent, though she continued to steal glances toward the door. Courtney refused to look, despite feeling a pang of guilt.
Courtney had asked only one thing of the Emperor: that after the baby was born, she be allowed to leave the palace.
She wasn’t looking to return to her family’s estate—just a secluded villa under the Emperor’s protection would be sufficient.
Divorce or no divorce, it didn’t matter. She could do as she wished.
As realistic as ever, Courtney understood that while she might be able to leave, the child would eventually need to return to the palace. Still, she wanted to keep her baby with her for as long as possible. Trusting someone like Richard with their child was out of the question.
Courtney tried to picture Richard as a father. She couldn’t. She’d be lucky if he didn’t become jealous of the child and act immaturely. Her brow furrowed, and Rebecca immediately jumped to attention.
“Are you feeling uncomfortable? Should I close the window?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Courtney swallowed her bitter feelings. If Richard didn’t come to terms with his issues and change, there would be no future between them, regardless of her feelings. She forced herself to resist the urge to run outside.
* * *
When the imperial physician left the room, he couldn’t help but click his tongue in private. The Crown Prince was still standing in the same spot, looking as dreary as ever.
Richard spoke quietly, “How is the Crown Princess’s health?”
Hadn’t he asked the same question the day before yesterday? Between the Emperor’s orders to check on her every two days and the Crown Prince’s constant inquiries, it was all rather excessive.
But none of that compared to the Crown Princess, who hadn’t allowed him into the room at all.
The physician kept his thoughts to himself, replying politely.
“Her Highness is fine. Her appetite has mostly returned, so she should regain the weight she lost soon.”
Richard didn’t respond, his expression troubled. Taking this as his cue, the physician subtly stepped back. Frankly, the Crown Prince looked like he could use a check-up himself, but he needed to report to the main palace now.
Just as he was about to leave, Richard asked quietly,
“…And the baby?”
Richard bit his already-chapped lower lip hard. He had been too ashamed to ask this question until now. That single word weighed heavily on him.
The physician turned back to Richard, noting the defeated look on his face. It was almost surreal to see the once-brash Crown Prince looking so meek. Taking pity on him, the physician replied,
“The baby is healthy. Congratulations.”
As before, Richard listened in silence, unable to muster a response. The physician, feeling awkward, turned and left.
Long after the physician had disappeared down the corridor, Richard stood there, dazed. He’d heard it from many people by now, yet the reality hadn’t sunk in. Courtney was carrying his child.
When had she found out? Why hadn’t she told him first?
But he already knew the answer. Look at what he had done during the short time she must have spent processing her thoughts. She had every reason not to trust him.
Was she planning to leave him because of this? Was the idea of staying with him so unbearable that even the thought of the crown couldn’t make her stay? A chill crept into his heart.
Richard stared at the closed door. It felt as though it would never open to him again.
