In the Doghouse - Chapter 185
Since she hadn’t been socializing or hosting anyone, and even the maids attending her kept quiet, no one outside could confirm anything beyond the fact of her pregnancy.
Even those who had visited the Imperial Palace to meet with the Emperor or the Crown Prince couldn’t find out much more than that.
“Isn’t it all a bit strange? Especially what happened at the Harvest Festival, and then sending Lord Devon to the border…”
“Exactly. The Countess is behaving so oddly too. There must be something behind it all…”
The two women discreetly glanced toward a quiet corner, where Count and Countess Devon sat uncharacteristically subdued. While the Countess had previously enjoyed flaunting her connection to the imperial family, she now sat quietly, quite unlike her usual self.
Since sending their eldest son to the border, the Devon couple had rarely left their mansion. And when others visited, trying to pry for information, they received only the formal explanation that sending Frederick Devon to serve in the imperial army was a way of setting an example as relatives to the crown. No one believed it.
Nearby, a young maid serving drinks giggled to herself as she overheard the noblewomen’s gossip. Bored, aren’t they? Their imaginations are running wild. Everything would be clear soon enough once the Crown Prince and Princess appeared, she thought as she focused on her task.
Just then, there was a commotion near the entrance.
“It looks like they’ve arrived!”
All eyes turned with anticipation to the closed doors. The two grand doors swung open, and the Crown Prince was the first to enter. Courtney, dressed in a pale green gown, entered gracefully, supported by his arm.
Richard looked more anxious than ever, as though he wanted to bolt from the scene, murmuring in a concerned voice.
“Courtney, be careful, careful…”
“Oh, please, don’t fuss so much,” Courtney scolded, pinching his arm.
Though he had already been pinched multiple times on the way there, Richard didn’t even flinch. He had been fussing over her the entire walk to the main hall, offering to carry her or give her a lift, and his antics had earned him quite a bit of scolding from her.
With twins, her belly was indeed larger than usual for this stage of pregnancy. Although the physician had assured her that light movement was beneficial, Richard seemed ready to panic with each passing day as her belly grew.
He fussed over her so much, Courtney couldn’t even stroll alone in the garden without him nearby, watching over her like a dutiful guard dog.
Richard looked as if he might cry, muttering,
“This isn’t right… we should go back now.”
“I said enough already.”
To the onlookers, who couldn’t hear their quiet exchange, they seemed like the picture of a loving couple. The nobles looked on with expressions of mild amusement, while only a few young unmarried ladies looked dejected. Secretly, they had hoped the Crown Prince’s affections might have cooled, or that he would announce a mistress, if not an outright divorce.
The couple proceeded toward the platform at the front. A new year had come since Courtney entered the palace, and her experience with court life now showed. Even in a simple gown, she exuded a certain elegance. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince, who fidgeted beside her with obvious concern, seemed far from composed.
A noblewoman who had been spreading ominous gossip behind her fan whispered,
“So it was all just rumors after all. Not that anyone seriously believed it.”
Another lady, who had spread stories about the Crown Princess’s infidelity, quickly joined in.
“Yes, just baseless talk. Who knows who started such nonsense?”
As people tried to discreetly retract their earlier gossip, a hush fell over the hall as the Emperor raised his glass, a solemn expression settling over his face.
Stepping forward, the Emperor stole a glance at his son and daughter-in-law and broke into a broad grin, as though he had been holding back his excitement until now.
The nobles exchanged uncertain looks, watching the Emperor’s cheerful expression with some unease. He cleared his throat with a small cough and spoke in a voice full of authority.
“On this day, in celebration of our nation’s founding, I am pleased to share more joyful news with you.”
Everyone held their breath, surprised. While the announcement was technically the first formal acknowledgment, it was no secret to anyone with eyes that the Crown Princess was pregnant. They waited with confused looks as the Emperor continued his address.
“The Crown Princess is expecting twins. There is no greater joy than the anticipation of welcoming not one but two imperial heirs.”
The Emperor’s smile grew even wider, clearly brimming with pride as he spoke. He looked ready to burst with excitement, eager to share his delight about the unborn grandchildren.
