So no, the five consorts were 'not' handling things well.
They were drowning in work, scandal, stress, and uncertainty.
And they definitely didn't have time to coordinate with each other about the pregnancy situation because they were all barely surviving their individual disasters.
---
## Meanwhile: Heena and Larus
On the other hand, Heena and Larus were living their best lives.
As night fell over the palace, Heena literally 'rushed' to her chambers.
Not walked. Not strolled. 'Rushed'.
Because for once—'finally'—all the urgent work was done, all the immediate fires were put out, and her aunt had promised not to interrupt them with any more "essential traditions" tonight.
She burst through the doors of her private chambers to find Larus already there, sitting by the window and reading a book, looking absolutely gorgeous in casual evening robes that made his gold-brown skin glow in the candlelight.
