Queen Seraphina sat upright on the edge of the bed, hands resting neatly on her knees.
She had slept, though not well—the journey the night before had left her body tired, her mind restless.
Lady Mirelle stood near the window, hands folded calmly, watching her friend with steady eyes.
The healer moved around the room, arranging bowls, small vials, and neatly folded cloths on a wooden table.
"You may lie back now, Your Majesty,"
the healer said, her voice soft but precise.
Seraphina hesitated, then nodded.
"Very well."
Her words were measured. She lowered herself onto the bed, the sheet rustling beneath her.
The healer guided her gently, checking her pulse, inspecting her hands and eyes.
"Everything seems in order physically,"
she said.
"But I sense tension. You carry it like a weight you cannot set down."
Seraphina gave a small, tired smile.
"I carry it well enough," she murmured.
Lady Mirelle stepped closer.
"It is not just the weight of the palace, Seraphina," she said .
"It is the expectation. The whispers. You are not alone."
The healer returned to the table, picking up a small bundle of herbs.
"Your cycle is nearing," she announced, "though not yet. Timing is delicate, as always."
Seraphina exhaled slowly.
"So… nothing has changed," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Not this time,"
the healer replied. Her tone was firm but gentle.
"But the body is trying. It needs support."
"Patience."
She held out the bundle.
"Take these. Morning and night, without fail."
Seraphina accepted it, fingers brushing the soft cloth wrapping the herbs.
"I will," she said.
"Hope should not be punished by repetition,"
the healer added, tilting her head slightly.
Seraphina laughed softly, a fragile sound.
"Hope is stubborn. It clings whether I wish it to or not."
Mirelle smiled faintly.
"And that is why you survive, even here."
The healer's eyes flicked toward the door.
"You should rest.The mind and body are companions. Both weary now."
Seraphina rose slowly, smoothing her hands over the fabric of her gown.
"Before I do," she said, noticing movement near the corner,
"who is that?"
By the far wall, half hidden in shadow, a young girl watched them. Plain clothes, hair tied back neatly. Silent, attentive, her dark eyes wide but unreadable.
Mirelle followed her gaze.
"I do not know," she admitted."
"Perhaps a helper from the villages? The palace takes many under its wing."
Seraphina's brow furrowed.
"She watches too closely."
"She is likely curious, not bold," Mirelle replied.
"Curiosity is not guilt."
Seraphina studied her briefly, then shook her head.
"Perhaps. Let us go."
The carriage ride back to the castle was quiet. Seraphina sat upright, hands folded in her lap, staring out at the passing landscape.
Mirelle did not speak, and neither did she.
The silence was companionable yet heavy.
At the castle, torches flared as the gates opened. The chill of night pressed against them. Mirelle's daughter ran forward, small arms reaching.
"Mama!"
she cried, hugging Mirelle tightly.
"I'm here, love,"
Mirelle laughed softly, kneeling to embrace her.
Seraphina lingered in the doorway, chest tightening. She watched the reunion, the momentary joy like a spark in the darkness.
Then she turned and walked inside.
Dinner had already been laid. The hall smelled of roasted meats, sweet breads, and burning herbs. The family gathered, each taking a seat with careful attention to posture and propriety.
Alina sat upright, perfect in every line of her posture, her eyes sharp. She watched Seraphina as the queen took her seat.
"You seem quiet tonight,"
Alina said smoothly, glancing around the table.
"Perhaps the healer has exhausted you?"
"I am tired,"
Seraphina replied simply, her voice soft but firm.
"That is all."
Alina inclined her head, barely, a smirk hidden behind her polite expression.
"Tiredness can be a dangerous thing, Your Majesty. One must guard against it."
Darius's eyes flickered toward her, warning. The unspoken message clear: temper your tongue.
Alina's smile remained polite, but it held the sharp edge of intent.
Seraphina cut a piece of bread, her appetite minimal. A few glances passed between family members, noting her quietness.
Emric, Alina's son, tilted his head.
"Mother says you've been to the healer?"
Seraphina's gaze lifted, meeting his eyes briefly.
"I have,"
she said, voice calm, loving.
"Nothing new yet."
Alina leaned closer, resting her chin lightly on her hand.
"Patience, Your Majesty. The body responds in its own time. And some things…"
She paused, letting her words hang.
"…cannot be rushed."
"Indeed,"
Seraphina murmured, lips pressed together. She ignored the undercurrent, letting it pass like a breeze.
Mirelle reached across the table subtly, her hand brushing Seraphina's.
"Do not let words of others weigh you,"
she whispered.
Alaric observed quietly, his expression calm.
"Seraphina," he said finally, voice low,
"you must rest. Your body and your mind both need it."
"I will,"
she said softly, pushing her plate away.
"I am tired."
She rose, curtsying slightly to the table, then left without further words.
Alaric followed her to the chambers later that night. The room was dim, lit only by a single lamp. Seraphina sat on the edge of the bed, posture straight, eyes distant.
"You didn't eat,"
Alaric said gently, taking a seat beside her.
"I wasn't hungry,"
she said simply.
"How did it go?"
His hand brushed hers lightly.
"The same,"
she replied, barely meeting his gaze.
He sighed.
"I'm sorry."
"I am used to it," she said, defeated.
A pause stretched between them.
Seraphina's eyes flicked toward him.
"The scroll," she said almost abruptly.
Alaric stiffened.
"It's nothing."
"You said that before,"
she countered, tone even but probing.
"And it remains true."
"You're hiding something,"
she said, leaning back slightly, studying his expression.
"I'm protecting you,"
he said firmly.
"From what?"
"From worry,"
he replied, but his eyes faltered slightly.
She laughed bitterly.
"That ship has sailed."
Silence stretched between them.
She reached for him, her hand resting lightly on his arm.
"We can still try,"
she said.
"Tonight."
He hesitated. Then shook his head.
"I'm tired, Seraphina."
The words landed heavier than he intended.
"Oh,"
she said, voice low.
He lay down, turning away slightly.
"Rest now."
She remained sitting for a long moment before lying down as well.
They did not touch.
The room fell silent.