Lotty, her heart pounding with anticipation, stretched her trembling hand toward Joshua, hoping for a flicker of warmth in his eyes. But his response was frost-laden as he barked, "Fetch the physician!"
The physician rushed in and examined her with swift precision, his brows furrowing. "Princess Lotty is with child," he announced, "but it appears she has been pregnant for two months already."
In a fit of rage, Joshua hurled the teacup he held. Its shards scattered as blood mingled with tears. "Very well! The Stewart family has toyed with me as if I were a fool!" his voice thundered.
Lotty laughed hysterically, her once gentle facade replaced by one of blood and defiance. "And you, Prince Joshua—what are you but a coward in your own affairs of the heart?" Her voice dripped with venomous
