Chapter 24

[ 1,178 words ]

{Third Person}

Before Amara could respond, Mrs. Woods added gently, “This is routine, Miss. All women within and married into the royal family undergo such examinations by Her Majesty’s order.”

The physician smiled, clearly pleased. “Her Majesty is most considerate when it comes to the well-being of the women in the palace.”

Amara’s lips pressed together faintly. ’ Considerate?’ Though she kept her thoughts to herself.

The physician stepped closer. “Now, about your injuries—”

“They are healing well,” Mrs. Woods answered quickly. “Ms. Caldwell is currently under the care of a physician appointed by His Highness.”

The Imperial Physician nodded once, as if that was sufficient, and did not press further. Thereafter, he took a seat on a small stool beside Amara.

“Your arm, please,” he said.

Amara extended it without argument. His fingers rested lightly on her wrist as he checked her pulse, his expression turning thoughtful as he focused.

The room went silent. Seconds elapsed, then he let go of her hand. He stood up and started packing his instruments back into his case.

Mrs. Woods stepped forward slightly. “Doctor, how is her health?”

The Imperial Physician straightened, a small, satisfied smile forming on his lips. “The political bride is in good health,” he said. “Her body is strong, and her constitution is stable.”

Mrs. Woods bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement. “That is reassuring.”

The physician then turned to Amara. “Ensure that you eat properly,” he advised. “And engage in light exercise in the evenings. It will benefit your recovery.”

Amara gave a small nod. “I understand.”

With that, the Imperial Physician gave a final nod and took his leave.

The room fell quiet again once he was gone, but something about the visit was unsettling even if nothing had been said outright.

Amara watched the door for a moment after the Imperial Physician left, her expression unreadable. Then she turned her gaze to Mrs. Woods.

“Is the Queen always this interested in the health of women in the palace?” she asked.

Mrs. Woods didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she stepped a little closer, her eyes briefly flicking toward the servants still present before she lowered her voice.

“Yes,” she said quietly. “Her Majesty is… very interested in such matters.”

There was a pause, then, more carefully, she added, “It may not be my place to say this, but you should be cautious around the Queen.”

Amara’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Mrs. Woods held her gaze. “Her intentions are only known to her.”

That was enough. No further explanation was needed for Amara to understand, so she gave a small nod. “Thank you.”

Mrs. Woods inclined her head slightly, then stepped back, her expression returning to its usual composure.

—

Meanwhile, at the Queen’s palace…

The Imperial Physician stood before Queen Lysandra, his posture straight, his expression composed but faintly proud.

“I have completed the examination, Your Majesty,” he said.

Lysandra leaned back slightly in her seat with a sharp gaze. “Well?”

“The political bride is in excellent health,” he replied. “Her body is strong, and there are no immediate concerns.”

Lysandra’s fingers tapped lightly against the armrest. “And?”

The physician hesitated for only a second before continuing. “She has a cold constitution,” he said. “In the future… it may prove difficult for her to conceive.”

A small silence followed, then a slow smile spread across Lysandra’s lips. “Is that so?” Her tone was light, but the satisfaction in it was unmistakable.

The physician bowed his head slightly. “I would not misdiagnose such a matter, Your Majesty.”

Lysandra studied him for a moment. “You are certain?”

He lifted his chin slightly, confidence clear in his voice. “I have never given Your Majesty a false report.”

Lysandra leaned back fully now, her posture relaxing.

“At least,” she said with a quiet exhale, “I don’t have to worry about the Alpha Prince producing an heir with the political bride before he finds his mate.”

The physician nodded. “That is unlikely, given her condition.”

Lysandra’s gaze turned thoughtful. “I still don’t intend to take chances with her,” she added. “Whether he favours her or not… is uncertain.”

The physician lowered his voice slightly. “Then Your Majesty should refrain from making any move for now. The Alpha Prince is not someone easily deceived. If he senses anything, it may bring unnecessary complications.”

Lysandra was silent for a moment, then she nodded. “You are right for now.”

A faint smile returned to her lips, then she waved her hand dismissively. “You may go.”

The physician bowed, but before he could turn, she added casually,

“Keep an eye on the concubines in the back palace. If any of them show signs of pregnancy… I want to know immediately.”

The physician nodded. “Understood, Your Majesty.”

He bowed once more, then excused himself and left.

The hall fell quiet again. Lysandra leaned back in her seat, her fingers resting lightly against her cheek.

She looked satisfied.

—

Alexander’s study was quiet, save for the faint rustle of paper.

He sat behind his desk, a pair of thin reading glasses resting on the bridge of his nose.

Open documents and bound reports were spread before him in careful disorder, ink markings cutting through several pages where he had made corrections.

His focus was absolute, and his expression, unreadable.

A few minutes later, a soft knock came, then Jasper stepped inside. “Your Highness.”

Alexander didn’t look up. “Speak.”

Jasper moved a step closer. “The Queen’s Imperial Physician visited Ms. Caldwell about an hour ago. He examined her, then returned directly to Her Majesty’s palace.”

Alexander’s eyes remained on the document in front of him as he turned a page, letting the silence stretch.

Jasper hesitated, then asked, “Should I warn Ms. Caldwell?”

This time, Alexander’s hand paused briefly over the paper, then he continued reading.

“She is not a fool,” he said at last. “Mrs. Woods will have already given her a heads-up.”

“Understood.” Jasper nodded before continuing, “What about the gifts Her Majesty sent earlier? How should they be handled?”

Alexander flipped another page, so Jasper added, “Mrs. Woods mentioned that Ms. Caldwell almost had them returned.”

Instantly, Alexander halted as his attention was finally caught. Slowly, he leaned back in his chair, lifting his gaze from the papers. Then, unexpectedly, a pleased smile formed on his lips.

“So,” he murmured, almost to himself, “she does have a spine.”

Jasper said nothing, but he understood.

Alexander removed his glasses, setting them aside on the table. “Good,” he added. “At least she didn’t disappoint me.”

There was a quiet satisfaction in his tone now, subtle but unmistakable. Then he waved his hand dismissively.

“What is there to handle?” he said. “Let her deal with it.”

Jasper inclined his head. As he turned to leave, Alexander spoke again, almost absently, “She will live long if she doesn’t falter.”

Jasper paused for the briefest second at the door, then continued out, leaving the study in silence once more.

Alexander picked up his pen again, but the faint curve at the corner of his lips didn’t fade immediately.

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