@Sukigh I think Sovieshu pushed the Empress to dislike even more the baby. I don't think Navier would be a terrible step mom if that ever happened, and what she said about Rashta spitting the baby against her is very true. Rashta has her motives, of course, but she isn't that naive, we can see that. She's a little mischief and does things out of bad will too. For example, Duchess Tuania. She literally destroyed her marriage. Navier's secret correspondence with Henrier. She acted as the friend, tried to deceive the future King of the neighbor empire. I mean, I get her story, but did she really needed to do that??? Honestly, if she had been a little bit less worried about others people opinions, talked it with Sovieshu about her ex, she would've remained Empress for a very long time. About the baby. Imagine your husband forcing you the baby he "has" with his side chick. And not like, oh please, I need your help. More like, no, this is your duty, I'm your husband, blablabla! What? That's only making her more irritated and firm in not wanting anything to do with that child no matter how innocent it is. If Sovieshu truly acted with respect, then perhaps Navier would've give in.