The sun cast a soft golden glow over the palace grounds as Scarlett carefully walked through the garden, her hands resting on her swollen belly. At seven months pregnant, every step was deliberate, every breath tinged with the weight of both her physical condition and the emotional turmoil that gnawed at her daily. The palace staff moved about their duties with a quiet chatter, aware of the monumental event on the horizon but oblivious to the secrets Scarlett carried.
Inside the king’s study, Damien sat at his desk, staring blankly at a report on trade agreements. His mind was far from the words on the parchment. Instead, it lingered on the growing unease he felt every time he spent time with Scarlett during their scheduled bonding sessions with the unborn child.
“Something wrong, Your M
