In the Doghouse - Chapter 186
Despite the unexpected news, the hall remained silent. Everyone, dumbfounded, could only stare at the Crown Princess. They had thought her belly’s size was simply due to the progression of her pregnancy—yet it was twins!
Among the astonished crowd, a gentleman found his voice first and spoke up.
“Congratulations!”
“Oh, our warmest congratulations!”
Voices erupted from all directions in a harmonious chorus of well-wishes. Feeling a bit shy, Courtney’s gaze wandered around the room.
The Crown Prince, too, looked every bit as proud as a father. He was slightly concerned about how Courtney would handle everything, but as she had pointed out, carrying twins, albeit challenging, would be worth it. After all, the Imperial family, having historically few heirs, often left its women with a heavy burden. Knowing that Courtney wouldn’t have to bear that pressure anymore brought him relief.
The Emperor, visibly thrilled, raised his voice with excitement.
“Let us all raise a toast in celebration!”
He downed his drink in one go. The room, which had been filled with murmurs and chatter, now joined him in raising their glasses. Courtney sipped her juice, watching.
The Emperor gazed fondly at his son and daughter-in-law. Despite his previous dissatisfaction with Richard’s choices, he had married well, and with twins on the way, the future looked bright. With such a capable Crown Princess, the Emperor foresaw Richard soon taking his place at the head of the Empire, perhaps as soon as this autumn, or by next spring at the latest.
With a gesture, the Emperor signaled the musicians to begin. Courtney leaned toward Richard and whispered softly.
“It seems like we’re expected to dance.”
“Absolutely not.”
Courtney narrowed her eyes at him, bemused by his stubborn refusal. For someone so easily swayed otherwise, he was resolute on this one thing. He should be grateful she wasn’t insisting. Just watching her walk was enough to make him anxious, let alone dance.
Pouting, Courtney scanned the ballroom. Despite her limited mobility, it seemed the preparations for the event had gone smoothly, thanks to their efficient ‘triangle’ arrangement—if Richard slacked off, his assistant, Anton, would report it, and then she would ensure he faced the consequences.
Courtney’s gaze drifted toward the lavishly set refreshment tables along the edge of the hall, where vibrant macarons and other treats sat in tempting, sugary mounds.
Unable to resist, she made her way toward them, eyes fixed intently on the colorful array of sweets. But as she reached for a macaron, Richard swiftly intercepted, tapping her hand with a light but firm slap.
“Ow!”
“No, absolutely not.”
“Just one, please, just one!”
“You said that earlier and ended up eating three.”
Fuming, Courtney couldn’t counter his point. Who was he to scold her—her husband or her diet monitor? She’d asked for his help with portion control, but now she resented him for it. Annoyed, she snapped back.
“Why don’t you go mingle? Go on, get to it.”
“The Emperor can handle the greetings today,” Richard replied with a shrug, unfazed.
As long as he was glued to her side, sneaking a treat—or several—was out of the question. Courtney felt the unfairness of it all, convinced that denying her a few sweets would only increase her stress, which surely wasn’t ideal for the babies.
Desperate for an ally, she glanced around the room, her gaze quickly sweeping over the crowd.
In the distance, she spotted Madam Berricker deep in conversation with Isabella and Rebecca. While it wasn’t likely she was instructing them to let her indulge in sweets, one could hope.
When her gaze shifted, something else caught her attention. She focused on a spot, her brow raised with mild amusement. Noticing, Richard followed her line of sight. Courtney smirked.
“Isn’t that Ducal Lady Herbert?”
“Who?”
“Your ex-fiancée. You really can’t recognize her?”
Richard feigned ignorance, replying with exaggerated indifference.
“Ex-fiancée? Hard to say. She has so few distinguishing features,” he said, squinting as if trying to locate her.
Courtney snickered at his nonchalant response. Ducal Lady Herbert had, yet again, adorned her hair with an array of brightly colored ribbons, enough to stand out even outside the ballroom.
Then, as if an idea had struck her, she looked at Richard mischievously and asked,
“So, you said you wanted to tell me something today. Let’s hear it.”
“Umm…”
Richard seemed to hesitate, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He looked more awkward than usual, almost as if he were struggling to find the right words. Courtney crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, waiting.
But with so many pairs of eyes on them, finding a private moment was a challenge. As the brief pause lingered, the crowd seized the opportunity, swarming toward them like a pack of eager wolves.
“Your Highness the Crown Princess, congratulations!”
“Twins! What wonderful news!”
“This promises a bright future for the Empire!”
