404 Am I Barren?
Months passed by and the newlyweds continued to enjoy their happy married life along with their official responsibilities as royalty. While the Crown Prince continued to perform his duties in the royal court, Esther was learning about administration from Queen Theodora as part of her education as the next queen.
Palace life had been relatively peaceful for Esther for the first couple of months, though whenever there would be public events or social gatherings, others tended to ask about when Prince Theron and Esther would produce their first heir. It was not a big deal at first, but gossip had a way of exaggerating even the smallest situations, not to mention a sensitive subject regarding the royal bloodline. Many nobles were trying to find fault with Esther in the first place, thus strange stories started to appear during afternoon tea parties and other parties held by the nobles, and later, they even trickled down to the masses and became the talk of the common folks.
If Prince Theron was yet to have an heir before he ascended the throne, it would put into question the position of the next crown prince. Without a direct descendant, the next in line to the throne would be his half-siblings from the concubines of King Esteban. With such a tempting situation, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the number of assassination attempts on his life would increase.
Half a year soon passed by, yet there was still no news of Esther getting pregnant so everyone started to question if she was barren. Though the King and Queen were patient, others didn’t seem to be the same. In particular, the noble households with eligible young ladies in their families were starting to have ideas of Esther’s position.
Inside the royal palace, the criticism was even more prevalent. King Esteban’s concubines didn’t spare the chance to throw seemingly harmless jabs on Queen Theodora and the Crown Princess when they came to visit the Vermillion Palace to check on the royal harem.
“Princess Esther, you look especially beautiful today. It’s as only yesterday when you married into royalty, but then half a year passes by before we know it,” one of the concubines smiled sweetly. “Though, I have yet to hear any news of you conceiving a child. I already prepared a gift, you know!”
The other ladies laughed. Another concubine chimed in. “Oh no. Perhaps the Crown Prince is working too hard for the kingdom, he has no time to pay attention to his duties to his wife? Tsk, tsk. I hope we’ll get to see your baby before all our hair turns white.”
Esther kept smiling at the group of middle-aged women who kept pressuring her to conceive.
Queen Theodora decided to step in. “What is the hurry? Let them enjoy their married life. Once they have a child, it won’t be the same.”
However, these blatant women were not going to stop anytime soon.
“Your Majesty, you are too soft on your child. That is why he grew up too easy going. As part of royalty, it is always about their responsibilities towards the kingdom.”
Esther could not help but frown inwardly. ‘What nonsense are they spouting now? Theron, easygoing? Are they blind?’
The concubines started to talk amongst themselves.
“My son married just two months back and his wife is already expecting.”
“Oh, why, my firstborn Charles has three concubines, and he has two sons from his first, another son from his second, and the last one will be delivering their baby in the next couple of weeks.”
“Ho ho, as expected of an Ivanov! The males of the family truly have strong stamina.”
“Indeed, that is why it’s really concerning me that Princess Esther is yet to become pregnant.”
“I wonder if there is any issue with the prince or…”
“Shush! Our Crown Prince is a healthy young man, just like our husband. So that means…” A concubine threw a gaze filled with fake pity towards Esther. “Crown Princess, I know a good physician who specializes in women’s fertility. If you wish—”
“Enough!” Queen Theodora raised her voice. ‘How dare they mock Crown Princess like this?’
Hearing her voice raised, everyone turned silent. Queen Theodora looked at the concubine who suggested visiting the physician. “If you know such a good physician, you should first take your daughter to him who has not been able to conceive for the last three years.”
The concubine gulped as she smiled. “Y-Yes, Your Majesty. I took my daughter there and we are expecting a positive result.”
“Then talk about it once it’s done,” the Queen said in the same raised voice.
“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”
With this, the topic regarding Esther stopped as no one dared offend the Queen.
Esther felt bad for her mother-in-law who had to defend her all the time wherever this topic is raised.
Soon, the Queen and Esther rode their carriage and left the royal harem. Queen Theodora suddenly spoke up, “Ignore them. They always grab every chance to put others down.”
Esther lowered her head. “My apologies, mother—”
“There is nothing you should apologize for. I know you two are trying.”
“We are but….”
“Take your time. Children are blessings. They will come when the time is right,” Queen Theodora assured. “You must be tired. You should go back home and rest for the rest of the day.”
Esther nodded and put on a relaxed expression, but deep inside, she was scared of disappointing the Queen.
Upon reaching her bedchamber, Esther found herself pacing around, unable to sit still. She could not rest even for a moment, and even though she had already opened the windows, it felt as if no fresh air was entering her chamber.
‘We have been trying, so why am I not able to conceive? Tyra is a half-blood, and she’s living proof that humans and my kind are able to have children. Is it true that I am barren? If it is then, what should I do?’