The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 716

Chapter 716

Athena touched her rosy face in surprise, thinking to herself, ‘Look at me. I’m practically glowing! Who needs tonics? If anyone does, it’s Xander. He’s been so sick lately that he’s turned as pale as parchment. Honestly, he’s the one who needs these supplements.‘

But since it was Alexandra’s thoughtful gift, Athena accepted it and said, “Thank you, Alexandra.”

Alexandra smiled contentedly and said, “Those two concubines Fermin married, they’re truly a sight to behold. I’ve never seen anything like that.”

“Oh? Do tell,” Athena said eagerly. Stuck in the courtyard all day, she was practically bored out of her mind and craved some juicy gossip.

“Those two fight tooth and nail every day. Fermin is running around like a spinning top. The Queen keeps a close eye on Fermin Manor and even had the imperial physicians prepare tonics to regulate their health,” Alexandra said.

A triumphant smirk touched Alexandra’s lips as she continued, “Those two concubines are all skin and bones, hardly the picture of fertility.”

Athena was speechless.

Alexandra couldn’t help but glance at Athena’s abdomen, her face brimming with pride. “You’re the one who truly makes me proud, bringing honor to me.”

Athena forced an awkward smile, thinking, “With Xander going at it like a plow horse every night, it’d be harder not to get pregnant.”

Two months passed in the blink of an eye, and it was time for Winona’s grand birthday celebration.

However, this year, there was no lavish event. Winona had consulted fortune–tellers, who advised that a grand celebration would not be auspicious for her well–being.

So, she hosted an intimate party in the palace, gathering all the imperial princes and royal descendants for a simple meal together.

Fermin arrived at the party with his two concubines in tow, while Evander sat with Natasha, and Athena was seated beside Xander.

Alexandra didn’t attend, claiming she wasn’t feeling well.

Athena knew the real reason was that Alexandra didn’t want to see Winona.

Winona, who had no desire to see Alexandra either, was all smiles when she heard Alexandra wouldn’t be coming.

At the party, Winona turned to Fermin and brought up the matter of heirs. “Fermin, you’ve been married to your two concubines for over two months now, and still no sign of pregnancy?”

Fermin’s face paled with dread as he hastily stood up. “Grandmother, I’m still working on it.”

He had been dutifully visiting his concubines‘ places every night, but, strangely enough, neither of them had shown any sign of pregnancy.

Neither of them had conceived.

1/2

05%

Chapter 716

They had taken countless fertility tonics, but to no avail.

Lately, Fermin had been going out of his mind with anxiety.

Being questioned so publicly by Winona, Fermin felt his face burn with humiliation.

Out of the corner of his eye, Fermin noticed Evander and his wife, engrossed in their meal. Unable to contain his frustration, he redirected the blame toward them.

“Evander married at the same time as I did. Surely Natasha is expecting some good news soon, right?” Fermin said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Natasha was helping herself to a piece of smoked meat, puzzled by her suddenly ravenous appetite.

Moreover, she always felt hungry these days. She used to eat three meals a day, but now it was four plus midnight snacks. If not, she got unbearably hungry.

When Fermin aimed his jab at the pair, they exchanged a glance, knowing he was up to no good.

Evander quickly put down his fork and chuckled, “You can’t rush these things, Fermin. When the time is right, it’ll happen naturally.”

But Fermin wasn’t done with him yet. With a mocking chuckle, he said, “But I heard you and your wife aren’t even getting along these days. The rumor is, you’re sleeping in separate rooms.”

Word travelled fast. Natasha stared at Fermin in shock, her hands itching to slap that smug look right off his face.

Just as Natasha was about to retort, a sudden wave of nausea hit her.

Unable to control herself, she gagged and bolted out of the hall.

Seeing this, Evander quickly bowed to Winona. “Grandmother, I beg your pardon. I must check on my wife.”

Winona’s expression darkened. ‘What is Natasha trying to imply by throwing up at my birthday party? Does she disdain my food? How utterly ridiculous!‘

Natasha was retching so violently she felt faint and utterly drained, barely clinging to consciousness. Evander was beside himself with worry, pacing back and forth like a caged animal.

The Queen’s expression suddenly darkened. ‘Could it be… Is she pregnant?‘ she wondered.