Before leaving, at their own request, Second Prince Victor Xiao, Third Prince Nathan Xiao, and Fourth Highness were all granted fiefs and sent to govern various regions of the lower realm.
Only First Prince Brandon Xiao remained in the Celestial Palace, though he rarely appeared in public.
On this day, the First Heir-Consort came to visit Lily Bai to discuss something important.
She said she wanted to promote the First Prince's Divine Attendant to the position of Side-Consort.
"Sister-in-law, since my brother hasn't brought it up, how could you make the suggestion yourself? Are you out of your mind?" Lily Bai asked. "I heard she even looks like my brother's first love—aren't you just pushing your own man into another woman's arms?"
"You don't know," the First Heir-Consort shook her head bitterly. "She's already carrying the First Prince's child."
"What?" Lily Bai exclaimed. "Since when?"
"She told me just yesterday," said the First Heir-Consort. "I've already checked the bloodline—it's definitely the First Prince's."
"Bring her here, let me take a look too," Lily Bai said.
The First Heir-Consort nodded.
That afternoon, she brought Eve over.
Lily Bai used her Heaven's Eye to examine Eve, then took her pulse. Sure enough, she was pregnant—and it was definitely the First Prince's child.
Since the First Heir-Consort was gracious enough to accept Eve as a Side-Consort, Lily Bai had no reason to object. She let them handle the arrangements themselves.
The First Heir-Consort left with Eve.
Just then, Sean Shaw returned.
He exchanged formal greetings with the First Heir-Consort, and they discussed Eve's pregnancy and her promotion to Side-Consort.
Sean Shaw looked at Eve, suddenly smiled at her, and asked, "Warden Eve, the First Heir-Consort and Crown Princess both say you should become my elder brother's Side-Consort. Are you willing?"
Eve lowered her eyes, bit her lip, and didn't answer.
"You don't have to force yourself," Sean said. "If you don't like my brother, or don't want to have his child, I can stand up for you as Crown Prince!"
"No! Of course I'm willing!" Eve said quickly. "I fell for the First Prince at first sight—why would you say such a thing, Your Highness?"
"Oh... so you really admire my brother?"
"Yes!" she answered without hesitation.
"Alright then," Sean said. "You're pregnant, so take good care of yourself. Don't make us worry."
Eve replied a bit too quickly, "Yes! Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."
Sean nodded and let them leave.
Lily Bai looked at him oddly. "What's up with you today?"
"What did I do?" Sean asked.
"Should I take it as you just tried to seduce my brother's Side-Consort?"
Sean stepped closer to her. "Seduce?"
"You smiled at her! And spoke so gently! 'You're pregnant, so take care of yourself.' Oh my god, anyone who didn't know would think she was carrying your child!"
Sean Shaw lifted her chin. "What did you eat? Why are you so sour today?"
"Sean!" Lily Bai pouted. "You're not allowed to talk to other women like that ever again!"
Sean leaned in, kissed her ear, and whispered, "Ever since I ascended as Crown Prince, I've gained a rather curious ability."
"What ability?"
"I can sense other people's emotions," Sean said. "When she saw me just now, guess what I felt?"
Lily Bai was silent for five seconds. "Don't tell me she likes you?"
Sean nodded. "Exactly. So there's something off about her. She claims it was love at first sight with my brother, but when she saw me, she almost lost control."
Lily Bai felt a burst of jealousy. "Really? She can't control herself when she sees you?"
Sean grinned at her. "You can't control yourself around me even more than she does."