Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 334. Waiting For An Heir
Rose's face flushed even more, but she forced herself to remain composed. "That won't be necessary, Sarah. I appreciate the concern, but I'm perfectly fine."
Sarah gave a small, understanding smile. "As you wish, Your Highness. However, if you change your mind, please don't hesitate to ask. The staff is here to make sure you're comfortable."
Rose offered a grateful nod, though she felt more awkward than ever. "Thank you, Sarah. I'll keep that in mind."
Sarah lingered for a moment, as if considering whether or not to leave the conversation there. Finally, she spoke again, her voice soft. "Forgive me for saying this, Your Highness, but it's good to see you and His Majesty growing closer. The court has been waiting for this."
Rose blinked, surprised by the shift in tone. "Waiting for what?" she asked, genuinely curious, though a bit apprehensive about where this conversation was heading.
Sarah gave her a knowing smile, one that suggested she had more insights into palace affairs than most would assume. "An heir, Your Highness," she said simply. "As I recall, you and His Majesty have only… consummated your marriage twice now, yes? The first night and last night."
Rose's brow furrowed in confusion, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected frankness. "How… how do you know that?" she asked, her voice tinged with embarrassment. Her cheeks flushed deeply, and she looked away, wishing she could just vanish into thin air.
'The first one was just pretending, though,' she thought.
Sarah's smile didn't falter. If anything, it softened, as if she understood the awkwardness that Rose was feeling. "Chancellor Allan asked us to ensure that your intimacy with His Majesty is progressing well," she explained, her tone gentle but firm. "It's a matter of great importance, after all. The court is eager to see an heir, and Chancellor Allan… Well, he's simply being thorough. He wants to make sure that the kingdom remains stable and that the legacy of His Majesty is secured."
Rose felt a lump form in her throat. Of course, she remembered Chancellor Allan. He was one of the most influential nobles in Euphorion, a man who had strongly supported Angel's rise to the throne. He had been relentless in his efforts to ensure that the kingdom didn't fall back into the chaos that had plagued it under the late King Xenos. In a way, his intentions were noble, but they also added pressure on both Angel and Rose to fulfill expectations that extended far beyond their personal relationship.
"I see…" Rose said softly, her mind racing. She had known from the beginning that producing an heir was part of her duty, but to hear it laid out so bluntly made her feel like her private life was nothing more than a political obligation. She took a moment to collect herself, inhaling deeply before continuing. "I will… try to meet those expectations," she said, offering a small, polite smile.
Sarah nodded approvingly, seemingly satisfied with Rose's response. "I know it's a lot to ask, Your Highness," she said, her voice softening, "but you've already brought so much light to this palace. You and His Majesty share a bond that gives people hope. It's only natural that they want to see that bond result in the future of the kingdom."
Rose tried to process Sarah's words, but it was difficult. She felt as if her relationship with Angel was being scrutinized from every angle, and the idea that their private moments were being discussed by others made her feel vulnerable in a way she hadn't expected. "It's just… it feels strange," Rose admitted, her voice softer now. "To have so many eyes on us. On this," she gestured vaguely, trying to encompass not only their marriage but their intimacy, which now felt like it was being watched by the entire court. She knew it was normal for a royal, still she never expected this much enthusiasm.
Sarah gave a sympathetic nod. "I can imagine," she said gently. "It's not easy, being in the spotlight like this. But you must understand, Your Highness, the court watches because they care about the kingdom's future."
Rose frowned, still unconvinced. "It's hard to believe they care when it feels like everything is a political calculation," she replied, her frustration peeking through. "I was just a political prisoner."
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