Free Web NovelChapter 216: My Announcement
I can do this. I can do this. I can do this!
“There is no need to punish the crown prince because I am without a doubt loyal to this empire. I wish for a bright future for this empire because that would mean a bright future for our child...” I said, making sure that my voice rang loud and clear.
“Rin...” I heard Ren whisper my name.
“What are you saying?” the emperor asked as a frown formed in between his brows.
“I am with child. I am pregnant with the crown prince’s child,” I stated firmly.
I could feel and hear everyone’s shock. Loud gasp of surprise filled the room followed by whispers. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, and I placed my hands over my stomach as if to protect the baby that was inside.
“What are you saying? Leave with Shin right now,” Ren hissed to me as he came to my side.
“No...I am not leaving you...” I said stubbornly.
“Is it true, Rin?” Ren asked softly, I could feel his gaze on my stomach.
I smiled weakly at him as I nodded. His eyes widened in surprise before he smiled lovingly at me, and his arms circled my waist.
“I’m sorry that you had to find out like this. I wanted to tell you properly but...I just couldn’t find the chance to tell you...” I mumbled regrettably as I glanced down at the floor.
“No, don’t say that. You need to take care of yourself...” Ren said gently as he pulled me slowly into his embrace.
“Call a team of royal doctors at once!” a court member called out loudly after recovering from shock.
“We will verify your claim. Know that if you lie in front of the emperor, you will be punished for treason!” Another court member declared loudly.
“Yes, I am fully aware...” I replied evenly.
...
**A few weeks ago**
I worked too hard and probably didn’t get enough rest. That was why I fainted. Now I’m a burden to Doctor Kai as well. He is here with me instead of treating the wounded patients. I hope that I’ll recover soon so that we can both return to the medical tent and continue treating the wounded soldiers.
“Excuse me, My Lady, please let me inspect your health for a moment,” Doctor Kai requested.
“Ok...” I replied as I nodded.
Doctor Kai took my pulse and began inspecting key parts of my body.
“Have you been feeling extra tired lately?” Doctor Kai asked with concern.
“I’m not sure...to be honest...” I mumbled.
“What about headaches and nausea?” Doctor Kai asked as he continued to feel my pulse. freewebnσvel.cѳm
“I guess lately I have been feeling nauseous,” I admitted, although I didn’t want to tell anyone.
“Excuse me for asking this, My Lady. When was the last time that you bled?” Doctor Kai inquired.
“Umm...” I made an uncertain sound.
Good question. When was the last time?
Doctor Kai sighed a little at my hesitation as he released my wrist and carefully placed it back down on the bed next to me.
“Congratulations, My Lady. You are with child,” Doctor Kai said with a joyous smile.
“Excuse me?” I said in disbelief.
“You are pregnant, My Lady,” Doctor Kai repeated once again.
“Really? Are you sure?” I asked, still unable to believe what I had just heard.
“Of course. I’m a royal doctor, after all. Diagnosing a pregnancy isn’t a challenge for me...” Doctor Kai said with certainty before laughing a little. ƒrēewebnovel.com
“Can you keep this a secret? I mean, I would like to tell the crown prince myself...” I asked immediately.
Ren is busy with the war every day. He’s working so hard, and he carried too many burdens already that I didn’t want to burden him with this news. I wasn’t sure how Ren would react if he found out. Would he be happy, or would he feel frustrated? Regardless, I decided that it would better if I told him once the war was over.
“Oh, of course! It is extremely good news for the crown prince and for the entire empire as well...” Doctor Kai said with understanding.
“Yes. Thank you...very much...” I said thankfully.
...
“You should sit down, Rin,” Ren suggested.
I nodded and he led me to a chair. Slowly, I sat down, and Ren stood by my side and held my hand. We waited for the royal doctors to arrive. To my surprise Doctor Kai was one of the five doctors that were summoned.
“The royal doctors are here, Your Majesty,” an eunuch announced before bowing deeply.
“I am sure that five doctors are more than enough to see if the Lady White Lotus’s claim is true or not,” the empress said as her eyes narrowed at me.
I was expecting her hostile reaction towards me. After all, if I’m really pregnant than there goes the chance of her son taking over the throne. She seemed to hold on to a lot of hope that I was simply lying though. Apparently, the palace was a world where lying about your pregnancy seemed to be a popular trend.
The doctors introduced themselves and their credentials to the emperor one by one. Among them, I learnt was the most senior royal doctors. I have only met him briefly but have never spoken directly to him. He was well revered by all doctors and medical helpers. He is also the doctor that serves the emperor directly.
“Royal Doctor Pai, I am glad that you could make it. I trust in your skills completely. Please tell us the truth about your diagnosis,” the emperor said before smiling at the old doctor.
“Of course, that is what I intend to do,” Doctor Pai replied politely before bowing.
The doctors came over to me to start their inspection. After they asked Ren to step away, the doctors started taking turns to inspect me one by one. Everyone watched and waited impatiently for the verdict from the doctors. Doctor Kai smiled gently at me as he inspected my body for the second time. I smiled back at him weakly.
--To be continued...
