ii. Daisuke: Lies

I thought our relations will be rekindled after that night, but in fact, he became more scarce to me.

I pranced back and forth. What does it mean for a husband to not visit a pregnant wife? What the hell does it mean?

They have estimated for me to give birth in one month's time and yet he has never spoken to the baby. If at all, he sends royal physicians to check on me for show.

"Even a concubine is treated with more favor than the pregnant queen," the hushed whispers grew louder every day until they can discuss it openly within my hearing distance.

"Oh, my queen. How have you been?" I wanted to wipe the confident smile off of Cinderella's face, and yet I can't.

Instead, I was forced to answer her query with a smile. "As you can see, I am to give birth soon to the king's heir."

"Oh, but what is an heir if the king cares not for the mother. Surely you know, even a high-ranking concubine who has favor with the king is better," she giggled, and how I wished to strangle her.