Chapter 276: Episode 276.

Charlotte nodded. "Still, I hope you have people you can rely on now."

Mabel looked at her. "I do."

"Fitz?"

Mabel’s smile widened slightly. "Yes. Just him."

Charlotte smiled too. "He’s always been someone people can rely on."

Mabel watched her for a moment. "He’s very good to me."

"I’m glad."

Charlotte said it without hesitation. And that was interesting. Mabel had expected a little discomfort.

Perhaps a careful pause.

A reminder that Fitz was her husband. However, Charlotte didn’t offer one.

She simply smiled.

Mabel lowered her gaze to the flowers. "You’re very kind, Your Majesty."

Charlotte smiled. "Well, you are a guest here."

Mabel’s expression remained warm but she did not miss the undercut in Charlotte’s statement. "And I appreciate that."

For a few moments, they spoke about the garden.

Charlotte told her about the flowers growing near the fountain and how the gardeners had been trying to revive a patch of roses that had been damaged during the colder months.

Mabel listened. She asked questions at the appropriate moments.

She smiled when Charlotte laughed.

She even made a small joke about how she had never been particularly good at keeping flowers alive.

Charlotte laughed at that. "You don’t have to do anything. Just put them in water."

"I’ve managed to kill flowers with more care than that."

Charlotte laughed harder.

Mabel smiled.

It was easy. That was what people rarely understood about her. Kindness was not difficult to perform.

A little attention. A gentle voice. A smile at the right moment.

People were often so eager to believe they had met someone sincere that they rarely looked beyond the first impression.

And Mabel knew exactly how to give them one.

Charlotte placed her glass on the table.vThen she shifted slightly in her seat.vHer hand moved to her stomach.

She rubbed it gently. Charlotte smiled down at herself. "I really wish I could be less fertile."

Mabel looked at her.

Charlotte gave a tired little laugh. "Being pregnant all the time is taking a toll on my health."

Mabel’s eyes moved to her stomach.

She looked at it for a moment. Then she returned her gaze to Charlotte. "That isn’t something I would ever be able to do."

Charlotte smiled. "Why not?"

Mabel shrugged. "I don’t think I would enjoy being pregnant. Talk more repeatedly."

"Well, you get used to some parts of it."

"Do you?"

"Not entirely."

Charlotte laughed softly.

"Every pregnancy is different. Sometimes I think my body has forgotten what it feels like not to be carrying a child."

Mabel glanced at her stomach again. There was no warmth in her expression. Just a quiet, dismissive look.

"Fitz loves children." Charlotte’s smile widened. "He speaks about them often."

Mabel leaned back. "Then I suppose you have given him exactly what he wants."

Charlotte laughed. "Perhaps." She looked down at her stomach again. "I think he would be happy if I gave him another ten."

Mabel didn’t laugh. That wasn’t funny. Instead, she studied Charlotte. For a brief moment, her expression changed.

It was almost imperceptible.

The warmth disappeared from her eyes.

Her mouth settled into a straight line. And then came the look. Cold, disdainful look. A look that made her face appear older, and sharper.

Her eyes travelled slowly over Charlotte’s face before dropping to her stomach. She had just noticed a weakness and was deciding how easily it could be used.

"If he wants more children, you would be here."

The words were delivered softly.

Charlotte’s smile disappeared. For a moment, she simply looked at Mabel. She hadn’t expected that.

Not after the conversation they had just shared.

The room became quiet.

Mabel held her gaze. Her expression remained unchanged.

Charlotte’s fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress. Then she blinked, and smiled.

It was a small smile. A careful one.

"Well," she said softly, "I suppose you’re right."

Mabel’s face returned to its usual sweetness. "I didn’t mean to offend you, Your Majesty."

Charlotte looked at her.

Mabel tilted her head. "I was only saying that Fitz seems to enjoy having a large family. And so do you."

Charlotte nodded. "Of course."

She picked up her glass and took another sip.

Mabel watched her.

Charlotte placed the glass down. "I think I should leave."

Mabel didn’t immediately respond. Then she smiled. "Already?"

"I don’t want to keep you."

"You’re not keeping me from anything."

Charlotte slowly stood.

Mabel rose as well. "Thank you for coming."

Charlotte smiled. "And thank you for allowing me to."

Mabel shook her head. "There’s no need to thank me." She stepped forward. "May I?"

Charlotte looked at her.

Mabel opened her arms slightly. "For a hug."

Charlotte hesitated for only a moment. Then she stepped forward.

Mabel wrapped her arms around her. It was a gentle embrace. She placed one hand carefully against Charlotte’s upper back, avoiding her stomach.

"Take care of yourself, Your Majesty."

Charlotte closed her eyes briefly. "Thank you, Mabel."

Mabel held her for another moment. And then she smelled it. The scent was unmistakable.

Pregnancy.

Not simply the faint sweetness that clung to the clothes of an expecting mother.

It was stronger, warm, and rich. It seemed to rise from Charlotte’s skin, carried by her body heat and the closeness of the embrace.

Mabel’s expression didn’t change. But her attention sharpened. She breathed in once, and then again.

She got her confirmation. Charlotte was near. In a few weeks or a month, the baby would be here.

Her fingers rested against Charlotte’s back.

She looked over Charlotte’s shoulder toward the door. Her mind was already working.

Charlotte pulled away.

Mabel immediately smiled. "Are you comfortable?"

Charlotte nodded. "Yes. Just a little tired."

"You should rest."

"I will."

Mabel reached for her hand. "Please, don’t hesitate to visit again."

Charlotte smiled.

Mabel walked her toward the door.

A maid was waiting outside.

"Please escort Her Majesty."

The maid curtsied. "Yes, my lady."

Charlotte turned back. "Goodbye, Mabel."

"Goodbye, Your Majesty."

Mabel watched as Charlotte walked away.

She waited until the queen had disappeared around the corner. Then she closed the door.

Her smile vanished.

For several seconds, she remained where she was. She looked at the flowers on the table. Her gaze lingered on the little blue petals.

Then she turned away.

She walked back to the sofa and sat down. Her fingers moved slowly over the armrest.

Charlotte. Fitz. Children. Pregnancy. Her mind returned to the scent she had noticed during the embrace.