Chapter 62: Get it Up at His Age
{Third Person}
Across the palace, in the Queen’s quarters, the atmosphere was far less controlled.
"His Majesty summoned all the physicians?" Lysandra’s voice was sharp, cutting through the quiet of the room.
Her maid-in-waiting stood before her, head lowered. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Lysandra’s fingers tightened slightly against the edge of the table as a flicker of unease crossed her face.
"...Why?"
"I... do not know, Your Majesty." The maid hesitated before adding softly, "This servant dares not guess His Majesty’s intentions."
Lysandra’s eyes narrowed. That answer did nothing to settle her thoughts. If anything, it made things worse. Her mind began to race.
Did he find out?
Is he suspicious?
Right then, she stood abruptly. "I will not sit here and wait," she said. "Prepare—I am going to see His Majesty."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
---
By the time Lysandra arrived at the King’s receiving hall, she was too late. The physicians were already leaving.
One after another, they exited the hall, bowing as they passed her.
Her steps slowed. A flicker of irritation passed through her eyes, but it disappeared just as quickly. By the time she stepped inside, her expression had already smoothed into a composed smile.
"Your Majesty." She curtsied gracefully.
King Sebastian sat on his seat, his posture relaxed, but his gaze sharp. "Lysandra."
She lifted her head and smiled. "I came as soon as I heard the news," she said warmly. "Congratulations, Your Majesty. It is wonderful to hear that you will be welcoming another child."
Silence followed as the King didn’t immediately respond. He just continued staring at her, as if studying her.
"Are you truly happy for me?"
The question came without warning. Lysandra’s smile faltered just slightly. Confusion flickered across her face, but only for a second. Inside, her thoughts moved quickly.
’Why would he ask that? Is this a test?’
Her heart tightened. But outwardly, she remained composed. After a brief pause, she lowered her gaze slightly before answering.
"I have... mixed feelings, Your Majesty."
The King said nothing, so she continued. "As your main wife, it would be a lie to say I am not hurt to be reminded that your affections are shared with other women."
Then her voice softened. "But as your Queen... I am happy that you will be blessed with another child after so many years."
Finally, Sebastian gestured with his hand, "Sit."
Relief passed through her chest, though she didn’t show it. She moved gracefully to her seat while concluding in her head that this had been a test, and she had passed.
King Sebastian leaned back slightly in his seat and said, "I have already instructed the physicians to attend to the concubine."
Lysandra inclined her head. "That is reassuring, Your Majesty."
"But that is not all," he said almost immediately, prompting her to lift her head. "I am placing you in charge of the concubine. You will ensure the safety of both mother and child," he continued.
For the first time, Lysandra couldn’t hide her emotions completely. The words struck her hard. Her fingers tightened subtly against her lap, but she recovered quickly.
"Of course, Your Majesty," she said with a gentle smile. "I will personally ensure their well-being."
The King watched her carefully before adding, "This is your opportunity. Do well... and your seal will be returned to you."
That caught her off guard. Her eyes widened just a fraction before she quickly masked it with delight.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will not disappoint you."
But behind that smile, her thoughts turned sharp. ’So this is your move.’
In one command, he had stripped her of any chance to act. If anything happened to that concubine now, it would be entirely her fault.
There was no room left for schemes or any space for error. The King had her cornered.
As if he hadn’t done so, King Sebastian shifted his attention away and announced, "Tomorrow morning, there will be a family breakfast in my quarters."
Lysandra blinked. "A family... breakfast?"
"Yes." His tone was final. "Inform everyone."
Lysandra inclined her head. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
Her smile stayed perfect as she stood to leave. Only her eyes betrayed her just for a moment. Because now, she understood clearly.
This was no longer just about power. It was a game. And this time, the King had made the first move.
---
The news about one of the King’s concubines being with child did not stay contained within the King’s chambers.
By evening, it had quietly spread through the palace. And with it came different reactions.
---
At the Second Prince’s residence—
A sharp crash echoed through the hall. A vase shattered against the wall, fragments scattering across the polished floor.
Zarek stood in the middle of the room, his chest rising and falling, his expression dark with irritation.
"What is wrong with that old wolf?" he snapped.
Another object followed—a cup this time—hurled across the room without restraint.
"When will he rest?"
The servant kneeling nearby flinched but didn’t dare move.
Zarek ran a hand through his hair, pacing like a caged animal. "What does he need another child for?" he continued, his voice laced with disdain. "Is the mess he has already created not enough?"
His jaw tightened. His mind was already racing ahead.
Another child meant another variable. Another potential threat. Another shift in balance.
Zarek stopped pacing abruptly, his gaze hardening. "...Ridiculous."
But the irritation didn’t leave him. It simmered dangerously.
—
At the Third Prince’s residence—
The atmosphere was entirely different. It was calm.
Rowan sat by the window, a cup of tea in hand, the evening light casting a soft glow across his features.
Opposite him, his mate watched him, waiting.
He had already heard the news, and unlike Zarek, he didn’t react immediately. But after a moment, he took a sip of his tea and spoke, his tone even.
"If the child is female, then she might live peacefully," he said. Then his gaze shifted slightly, thoughtful. "But if it is a male..."
He set the cup down. "...then he becomes competition."
There was no emotion in his voice. He was just stating facts.
Silence settled briefly before he leaned back slightly. "No one knows what Father is thinking," Rowan concluded quietly.
And that was the most unsettling part of it all.
—
At the Princess’s residence—
Elowen sat comfortably in a cushioned chair, casually snacking on a bowl of almonds, completely relaxed until she heard the news.
Her chewing slowed before coming to a complete stop. Then, she choked.
"—cough—!"
Her maid rushed forward immediately and grabbed the glass of water before passing it to her. "My Lady!"
Elowen took it and had a quick drink, coughing lightly before finally catching her breath. Then she blinked once. Twice.
"...Wait." She turned to her maid, utterly baffled. "Did you just say Father is having another child?"
"Yes, My Lady."
A beat of silence then, without restraint, she casually asked, "Can my father still even manage to get it up at this age?"
"My Lady!" the maid gasped, horrified.
Elowen raised both hands immediately in surrender, completely unbothered. "What?" she said. "I’m just curious."
Her maid looked like she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her.
But Elowen only leaned back in her seat, still processing the information, her expression caught somewhere between disbelief and amusement.
"This palace is really something else."
And just like that, another ripple spread through the royal family, each of them reacting in their own way and thinking ahead.
Because one thing was certain. That unborn child had already changed the game for some of them.
