Chapter 4

I couldn't help but take a deep breath. Dominic wasn't as difficult as I'd imagined, but what he said really threw me for a loop.

Didn't Dominic love Margery best? Why didn't he show her any respect at all?

I couldn't figure it out. After we got back, Dominic even brought in a doctor to make sure I was alright before he finally relaxed.

Once he left, I let out a long sigh of relief. Lanette, who was standing nearby, said, "Lady Holly, His Highness really treats you well. He didn't even say anything when you slapped Lady Margery today."

"Did His Highness and Lady Margery used to be close?" I asked.

Lanette thought for a moment. "His Highness isn't the type to get close to women, but Lady Margery once asked him for a favor.

"He didn't refuse her, and after a few interactions, they became familiar. But don't worry, now that His Highness has you, he won't give her the slightest chance."

I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, and the little voice from my baby piped up, "Mother, you're way too gutsy. Good thing Father didn't make a fuss about it.

"He's just trying to stir up competition between you two to keep things balanced. Mother, don't get too full of yourself just because you're favored."

Of course I knew that. Honestly, after slapping Margery today, I was scared out of my wits.

But deep down, I couldn't help feeling a little indignant. I'd never even crossed paths with Margery, so why was she acting this way toward me?

If it was petty jealousy, that was really over the line.

I pursed my lips and stayed silent.

Right then, Dominic came over and told me to freshen up. We were heading to the queen's quarters to pay our respects.

I quickly changed into something nicer and headed out with him.

I was nervous the whole way there. Dominic looked over and laughed, "You were so gutsy when you slapped Lady Margery. What happened to your courage now?"

"Your Highness, please don't tease me. I wouldn't dare! What if Her Majesty gets angry at me?" I replied.

"Mother isn't that petty, so relax. She just wants to meet you. Besides, since you're pregnant, you're basically untouchable," Dominic said.

That finally put my mind at ease. The baby inside me started squealing with excitement, "Finally, I'm gonna meet Grandmother!

"Grandmother is so regal and formidable. Mother, you have to win her favor. She'll be our biggest shield from now on.

"If Grandmother likes you, then you and I can walk around like we own the place."

I understood. As soon as we entered, I spotted a regal lady in lavish attire seated at the top. Dominic bowed first, and I quickly curtsied.

"Mother," Dominic said.

"Get up. We're all family, so there's no need to stand on ceremony. So this is Lady Holly? Come closer, let me take a look at you," the Queen said.

I walked up nervously, and the Queen grabbed my hand, looking me up and down. "You're a good girl, and you look healthy. I heard Dominic couldn't even get away from you back then."

I felt a little embarrassed. When the drug kicked in and I saw how good-looking Dominic was, I just pulled him in with me. He tried to escape, but I held him down. I was the one who forced him.

"Mother..." Dominic complained, sounding pitiful.

The Queen smiled at me. "Good girl, you did the right thing. If you want something, go after it. Back in the day, I did the exact same thing to His Majesty."

I was completely taken aback. The Queen slipped a bracelet off her wrist and handed it to me with a smile. "Take this. May you bless the royal family with many children and help our bloodline flourish."

I curtsied right away.

"Your Majesty, it's my good fortune to bear more children for the royal family. I'd love to have a big family, so Prince Dominic won't be so alone. His rooms are too quiet. If there were kids running around, it'd be so much more lively," I replied.

"You're absolutely right," the Queen said.

She turned to Dominic. "See? Didn't I say this girl was a keeper? You make sure to treat her well. As for those other women like Lady Margery outside, handle them properly. I don't want anyone making a spectacle of our family again."

That made my heart sink.

I never thought the Queen would hear about it so fast. She was clearly making a point, and I felt a bit awkward. I shot a glance at Dominic, but he looked totally unfazed.

"Rest assured, Mother. I'll take care of it," Dominic said.

The baby inside me started squealing with excitement, "Grandmother totally loves you. Mother, you nailed it.

"Mother, just keep being real in front of Grandmother. Say whatever's on your mind, and go with whatever the royals want.

"I was so worried you'd start showing off because you've Father's favor. That would've been a total disaster."