Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 157: Teatime With The Queen

Chapter 157: Teatime With The Queen

"The doctor will arrive tomorrow right before breakfast, Your Highness. Make sure you are ready for his visit," the Queen said, taking a small sip from her porcelain teacup. "Do you feel different from how you were before? Any signs of discomfort, headaches, slight fever, maybe?"

Melania offered the Queen an awkward smile, her hand slightly trembling as she picked up her own cup. This morning, right after breakfast, the princess received a sudden invitation from her mother-in-law to have some morning tea with her in her quarters.

At first, the young woman thought that Fleaur wanted to discuss her recently spiked social activity since she started venturing out of the Royal Palace more frequently. However, as soon as she took a seat beside her, it became clear that the Queen only had one topic she wanted to discuss: whether or not Melania was pregnant.

"I feel fine, Your Majesty. I do not think my body is undergoing any changes. And even if it were... I think it is far too early to expect good news."

Fleur smiled as well and shrugged her shoulders.

"Nevertheless, it is still better to check whether you are in good health, Your Highness. It is a lot easier to carry a child when your body is prepared for it."

The princess decided to refrain from answering, hiding her discomfort behind the cup that was touching her lips.

The Queen’s condescending tone and emotionless approach to the matter made her feel less than human; she felt like a pig whose only purpose in life was to give birth to more piglets. Piglets that were still destined for inevitable slaughter.

Despite her irritation with the current subject of discussion, Melania still could not help but feel frightened and anxious. Prince Yanad and she still had not slept together.

Although cold and inattentive towards her, the Crown Prince had the decency not to touch her, reassuring her that he, too, did not wish for that to happen between them. The princess knew that they would still have to do it sooner or later, but she had no idea "that sooner" would truly come so soon.

’When the doctor checks me tomorrow, he will see that I am still a virgin; that could get me into some serious trouble. Of course, we could share the bed tonight, but... Ugh, even the mere thought of it makes me sick to my stomach. Goodness, what a hopeless situation...’

As Queen Fleur resumed her monologue about women’s health, Melania continued to contemplate her options, with one daring thought still managing to form inside her head.

’What if I fake having my period tomorrow? The doctors do not check women while they are on their period, so it can give me at least one more week to come up with another excuse... Moreover, if they see that I have my period, they will know that I am not with child, and perhaps it will make them leave me alone.’

While the plan was rather childish, the princess found it her best option for now. One question still remained, however––how would she fake having her period?

’I could cut myself somewhere where they will not see and use that blood on my underwear in the morning, but what if the maid who assists with my bath sees it and suspects something? I cannot use the red paint either because it dries too fast and has a specific smell... Gosh, what should I do?’

Suddenly, one rather outrageous idea dawned upon her––when she was a child, her brother liked to scare his attendants by stealing pig’s blood from the royal kitchen and pouring it down his shirt, pretending to be dying from serious sword wounds. It was indeed a hilarious joke, and his attendants fainted nearly every time he did that. Who could have thought that such a horrible tease could actually be useful to her?

’I will have to ask Loraline to buy some pig’s blood at the commoners’ market and sneak it into my bedroom. The maids here will surely notice if she is looking for it in the kitchen. I will then pour it onto my underwear before the doctor comes and avoid this dreadful examination.’

"... Highness? Your Highness?"

At last, the Queen’s words seeped into her wandering consciousness, jolting the princess back to reality.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"I tried to ask you how your mother is doing. Is she feeling better? Have you received any letters from Lafad?"

Melania shook her head in response.

"No, I have not received any letters from them recently, so I have no idea what is happening with the Royal Family."

Queen Fleur decided to dispel the princess’s melancholy with a somewhat encouraging smile as she continued.

"Oh, do not worry, my dear. There can be many reasons for their silence, but not necessarily only bad ones! As you know, the Continental Coalition agreement is still undergoing a lot of changes, so every kingdom is busy handling their political affairs. In addition, the winter weather conditions always hinder the delivery of correspondence. What usually takes just a month to arrive, in winter, takes double that time. Lafad can only be reached by ship from Geraldion, so it only makes sense you have to wait for so long. I am certain the letters will be delivered with no issues."

A long and quiet "mhm" was the only thing Melania could squeeze out of herself.

’Thanks to one Prince Valon, I am certain that my letter did not even leave the palace’s walls. Hypocrites.’

"It is my understanding that you have formed quite a strong connection with the daughter of Baron Tarran?" The Queen pressed on, filling another prolonged silence. "It was very smart of you to make her your friend, my dear. Felicity is a very smart girl and she will be of immense help to you here in the Capital. Do not shy away from her invitations; it will only do you good."

The princess nodded while her big brown eyes assessed Fleur’s expression. Surely, she knew why she brought Felicity up––she wanted to warn Melania to treat Lady Tarran nicely as she comes from one of the families that support Prince Yanad.

Shifting her green eyes to the ticking clock on the wall, the Queen set her cup aside and rose to her feet, adjusting the skirt of her dress.

"Well, it was nice seeing you this lovely morning, Your Highness. I must excuse myself now as I have a meeting with Duchess Averian in an hour. Do let me know if you need anything. Have a good day."