Forensic Imperial Concubine novel Chapter 617

After Felton left, Matthew sat in the front hall, staring into its nothingness. His expression remained impassive, even when Harper approached him after Felton's egress.

"What's wrong, Matthew?" Harper asked in a soft voice. Harper's soothing voice felt like music to his ears.

Matthew shackled his arms around her waist and buried his head in the comfort of her arms. His actions and expressions said a thousand words about his state of mind, but yet he didn't say a word.

Harper had never seen her husband like this before. "What did Felton say?" she asked, her voice riddled with anxiety.

"Nothing special. I'm just being a little sentimental; that's all." Matthew regained his composure and continued, "We…"

But before he could say another word, Noah reported abruptly outside the door, "Your Highness, Prince Lilian is here. She said she is here to present a gift from Prince Francis."

"Send her in," Harper ordered as she sat down next to Matthew. Lilian ran in and looked quite happier than usual.

"Uncle Matthew, Aunt Harper, I came to see both of you. I heard that Aunt is pregnant. Congratulations both of you! I am so happy for you," Lilian said with a wide grin, making her joy apparent in everyone's eyes. "When Francis heard that I am coming to your mansion, he asked me to bring you a gift. He wanted to come in person, but unfortunately, he was not feeling well, so he could only ask me to bring this gift."

"That's so kind of you!" Harper said delightedly. Her gentle countenance was even more angelic with a smile painted on her face.

"It's a delightful day. Father has issued an order to let Felix come out today. Presumably, he has already forgiven him. Father stayed in Mother's palace last night and he has a deep sense of love and connection for Mother. It seems that Father also loves and cares for Felix," said Lilian. Her playfulness was noticeable from the way she talked.

"They are father and son, so His Majesty cannot stay angry with Felix for a long time. As soon as his anger diminished, His Majesty would let him go. As for you, you should really constrain your playful manner." An impeccable smile was written all over Harper's face. 'The emperor had decided to release Felix so soon. It seems that the empress is quite good at pillow talk.'

"Aunt Harper, as soon as I was set free and got out of the Imperial Palace, I rushed here to visit you. Yet, you said that to me. I'm so sad. I'm going to look for Lucas and leave you alone," said Lilian.

"Oh, you know what I think? I think you got out of the palace only to have fun with Lucas. You're just using me as an excuse to see Lucas!" Harper giggled. Lilian didn't feel embarrassed, although Harper exposed her true intent.

"I have no choice. After all, Lucas and I have common interests," Lilian said with a grin. "For the past few days, my mother restrained me at the palace and asked me to embroider the wedding dress. I have been so bored. I'm going to find Lucas and stay at his mansion for a while. I don't want to go back to the palace anytime soon. I rather hate needlework."

"They are outstanding embroiderers in Lucas' mansion, and maybe you get to learn a thing or two from them," Matthew said.

"Uncle, I thought you would console me a bit. Look at my fingers. They are covered with wounds. Don't you care about me?" Lilian raised her hand and showed Harper and Matthew her fingers. Her eyes were oozing helplessness and sadness was written all over her face.

"Whatever Lady Monica did is all for your own good."

"I know she intended no harm to me. She was just worried that I might harass Chodak again. If I displeased Chodak once again, I would get into serious trouble." Lilian curled her lips. "I don't get it. Which of my parts isn't good enough to match him? Why are so many people trying to stop me?"

"If you do want to understand why, I may have an idea," said Harper. Her eyes shone with a hint of shrewdness.

"Which part? Tell me!" Lilian insisted. "Please tell me, Aunt, and I'll just change it right away."

"Chodak is a monk. The perfect match for him would be a nun. But unfortunately, you are not a nun, so you are not a match for him." Harper was just teasing her niece, and it was very clear from the look on her face. Lilian showed visible signs of irritation, her expression akin to a child's.

"Uncle, can you please constrain your wife from teasing me?" Lilian flared up. Her face was red and she was crossing her arms in frustration.

"Harper is right. Monks only marry nuns. I'm afraid you are indeed no match for him."

"You two… I don't want to continue this conversation anymore. I want to find Lucas now!" Lilian shouted and stormed off the hall.

Looking at Lilian jumping out of their mansion like a rabbit, Harper couldn't help but laugh. Seeing Harper's smiling face, Matthew could do nothing but swallow what he wanted to say. He was certain she wouldn't give up her child, and if he tried to ask her, she would only doubt him and be wary of his actions.

"The emperor released Felix rather quickly. I am quite surprised," said Matthew. "What did the empress do to dispel the emperor's suspicion in such a short time?" Matthew's tone was full of suspicion.

"Don't underestimate the power of pillow talk. The empress may no longer be young, but even at her current age, she is quite charming and knows the emperor's mind well. With her incredible persuasion skills, I don't think it would have been that difficult for her." Harper smiled at her husband wilfully. The emperor was already in his fifties, but the empress knew quite well about his weaknesses. He was a man still obsessed with "bed exercise". Sooner or later, this weakness would land him in greater troubles.

"Then would you also like to have a pillow talk with me?" Matthew smirked at his wife. "If you talk to me, I promise that I'll pluck all the stars from the night sky if you want them."

A flicker of light appeared in Harper's eyes, as if she was seriously considering his suggestion. "Not bad! Sounds quite exciting," she said as she winked at Matthew.

"Really? You like that? I'm extremely looking forward to it," Matthew replied.

"Unfortunately, I'm pregnant. So, I may not be able to talk with you like the empress does with the emperor. Otherwise, I'll run you sleepless for nights and I'm afraid you wouldn't bear it," Harper bantered. "If sleepless nights aren't a big deal for you, I'm most willing to give it a try," she added.