Magnate's Blood Crown

Twenty

Book entered the harem's dining hall and bowed to Soi Chan. "Greetings, Mother. I hope you are pleased with all the preparations," he said.

Soi Chan grinned and nodded, looking around. "Tharinee will be happy. You have arranged everything according to her preferences," she said cheerfully. "But you have recently married, my dear. You should not burden yourself with such responsibilities."

"I am meeting the elder princess for the first time. Sister Tharinee is not only your second child but also the queen consort of Chaiyapura. How could I not be excited to welcome her?" Book smiled and sat beside Soi Chan. "Besides, I had help."

Mimi entered the hall with Nanon in tow. Soi Chan looked at them in surprise but smiled when she sensed the relaxed air between them.

"Mother, do not worry about anything today. We three will manage everything," Mimi said, sitting on the other side of Soi Chan and smiling at Book.

Soi Chan looked at Nanon, who had always brought happiness to the palace in some way or another. She knew that because of him, Book and Mimi had been on good terms since Book's wedding.

Soi Chan extended her hand towards Nanon. "Why are you standing? Come, sit with me and have tea."

Nanon smiled and took her hand. "Thank you, Your Highness."

As he was about to sit, Amy walked in. "Sister Tharinee is almost here, and her room is not ready yet, Mother." She glared at Nanon. "Didn't you say you were overseeing the preparations?"

Before Nanon could respond, Mimi spoke. "I am in charge of everything, Princess Amy. You may question me."

Amy gaped. "What?"

Mimi stood and walked to Amy. "And I remember setting up everything properly for her. If there is any problem, take Charlok with you and get it sorted."

"Me?" Amy asked in disbelief.

"Why not?" Book said. "Amy, you need to start thinking about taking on responsibilities. You will soon get married."

"Married?" Amy scoffed. "How can I get married when Ohm..." She paused as Nanon stood up at the mention of the name and faced her immediately.

Amy gulped as Nanon stepped forward, but instead of speaking, he extended his tea cup. "Would you like some tea, Princess Amy?"

Amy looked at him and the cup, confused. "Why would I drink from a cup you have used?"

"Exactly," Nanon said immediately. "So, since this is mine, it's time we pour a new cup for you, isn't it?"

Soi Chan, Mimi, and Book smiled at how subtly Nanon answered Amy, who gritted her teeth and walked away fuming.

Nanon turned to Soi Chan, feeling guilty. "I apologize for speaking out of turn, Your Highness."

Soi Chan shook her head. "We are all family. And you are all older than her. It is good that you are teaching her the right things. It is time to look for a suitable groom for her. Today when..."

Mimi suddenly held her belly and moaned in pain, making all three of them turn to her.

"Princess?"

"Mimi?"

They all rushed to her as she collapsed on the floor. They saw Mimi bleeding and exchanged shocked looks.

"Mother, you go to the courtroom. Nanon and I will take the Princess to her chamber and call the doctor," Book said as they heard the drums outside.

Soi Chan shook her head, looking at Mimi's state. "Tharinee will understand if I am not there. Before being an empress, I am a woman, and even if I am her mother, Mimi needs her mother more in this state. You both go to the harem's court to welcome her. In Mimi's absence, Book, you should be there. And remember, do not tell anyone anything until I confirm what is going on."