Shrouding My Dual Successors from the Tyrant

"If I'm not pregnant, I'm leaving this palace," Princess Evangeline whispered to herself.

She sat in the waiting room outside the royal physician's office, her fingers fidgeting with the green velvet of her dress.

Golden afternoon light streamed through the stained-glass windows, painting colorful patterns on the marble floor. Servants moved quietly through the hallways, their footsteps softened by thick carpets.

Three years. She'd been married to Crown Prince Sebastian for three long years.

Three years of sleeping in different rooms, of formal dinners where they only discussed politics, of public events where they pretended to be the perfect royal couple. In private, they were strangers.

Their fathers had arranged the marriage to strengthen ties between the Kingdom of Valdris and the Duchy of Morwyn.

Sebastian had made it clear from day one that duty was all he felt for her.

The heavy door opened, and Master Aldrich appeared with his usual kind smile. The elderly physician bowed as light caught his silver hair.

"Your Highness, please come into my study."

Evangeline stood gracefully, though her heart pounded as she followed him inside.

The room smelled like herbs and old books. Medical texts and bottles of medicine lined the walls from floor to ceiling. A fire crackled in the stone fireplace, its light dancing across anatomical drawings and royal portraits.

"Please sit, Your Highness," Master Aldrich said, gesturing to a cushioned chair by his desk.

Evangeline sat on the edge of the seat, too anxious to relax. Her mind raced.

For weeks, she'd felt sick in the mornings, exhausted, and nauseated by certain smells. She'd secretly hoped that maybe a baby would bring her and Sebastian closer together.

Master Aldrich picked up a sealed document from his desk and handed it to her, the royal wax seal still intact.

"Your Highness," he said warmly, "I'm delighted to tell you that you are indeed expecting."

Evangeline's breath caught as she broke the seal with shaking fingers.

The document unrolled to reveal the physician's neat handwriting, but her eyes immediately found the words that changed everything.

"What's more," Master Aldrich continued, barely containing his excitement, "all signs indicate you're carrying twins. Two babies, Your Highness. A true blessing."

The document slipped from Evangeline's numb fingers as she stared at him in shock. "Twins?"

"Yes, indeed. You must take excellent care of yourself now, Your Highness. Plenty of rest, good food, and regular check-ups. The kingdom will be thrilled to welcome not one but two heirs."

For the first time in months, real joy filled Evangeline's heart. A smile spread across her face as she pressed her hands to her stomach, still flat beneath her dress.

Maybe this would change everything.

Maybe Sebastian would finally see her as more than just a political obligation. Maybe their children would bring them the love their marriage lacked.

"Thank you, Master Aldrich," she said, gathering her skirts as she stood. "This is wonderful news."

"Should I inform His Highness, or would you prefer to tell him yourself?"

"I'll tell him myself," Evangeline said quickly.

She wanted to see Sebastian's face when he learned he'd be a father. Surely this news would melt his cold exterior.

She practically floated through the marble corridors, her silk slippers silent on the polished floors as she headed to Sebastian's private study.

Servants bowed as she passed, but she barely noticed, focused entirely on her incredible news.

She'd sent her lady's maid away earlier, wanting privacy for her doctor's visit. Now she was grateful to be alone.

This moment should belong just to her and Sebastian.

"Sebastian!" she called as she approached his rooms, her voice bright with joy. "My lord, I have the most wonderful news to—"

The words died in her throat as she reached his open study door.

There, outlined against the window overlooking the royal gardens, stood her husband with his arms around another woman.

Lady Cordelia Ashworth, the Duke of Greymont's daughter, was pressed against Sebastian's chest, her red hair spilling over his shoulders as he held her.

Evangeline watched in frozen horror as Sebastian cradled the woman's face in his hands and kissed her—a kiss so tender, so passionate, it took Evangeline's breath away.

It was a kiss filled with all the love and devotion he'd never shown his wife.

"Sebastian," Evangeline whispered, barely making a sound.

He looked up, startled, his arms still around Lady Cordelia. Guilt flashed across his handsome face for just a moment before it hardened into the cold indifference she knew so well.