They've loosened my corset.

Another tell that I am carrying a child.

Despite the anger that boils within me, he's always been gentle. His voice is kind. I don't think he's raised it towards me. My pride prevents me from overlooking the things he has done.

"Please have breakfast with me."

He's more persistent to be within this pregnancy.

I close my book with a sigh, placing it onto the small table beside me. "You'll be sitting in silence," I tell him, lifting myself up from my chair. Soon, I won't be able to move so swiftly.

"I'd rather sit in silence than alone."

Laurance responded to my letter. Both my father and him were complex in how they felt. They were excited at the announcement of a pregnancy, but my sadness worried them. It further showed that my relationship hasn't changed from when I first left Meteli.

I try not to think of my pregnancy. However, passing by a mirror is only a reminder. There's hardly a difference, if any, in my stature, but I know there's a difference within me.

"How do you feel? The baby?"

I stop walking, feeling my hand hesitantly rest against my stomach. Corset boning. Silk against my fingertips. A child hiding within another child.

"The baby is fine."

Vylad's nod looks reluctant, but he volunteers his arm out to me to hold onto. I was told early this morning to be on my best behavior. There will be a large meeting later, and many members of the court will be around. I accept his proposal, surprising him.

There's a soft smile hiding on his lips, threatening to peek through. This lingers until he pulls my chair out for me to sit in, pushing it closer to the table when I'm settled.

Faces look up at me. I look from my plate at the lingering stares, trying my hardest to prevent a grimace.

Her Majesty smiles at me. Her smile is the only one I do not mind. In fact, I crave it. It's the only one I trust and feel sincerity from.

"You appear to be well," she admits, looking over my appearance. "Sickness must've given you a break. Or. . . has my son told you?"

My eyebrows furrow together, lips parting to question her. She only giggles, realizing that I've been left in oblivion.

"Vylad, you must tell her the surprise!"

I turn my gaze towards Vylad. He seems rather sheepish now. His attention is directed towards his fork, stabbing it gingerly against his plate.

"I planned on telling her after breakfast, but if you insist, mother, I suppose I can tell her now." His cheeks look flustered, eyes anxious. "While you're still early, we decided to allow you to visit Meteli. . . Mother thinks a part of your unhappiness is the result of homesickness and returning there will brighten your attitude about pregnancy."

For months my smiles have been a part of a façade I force myself to play. It is now that it is sincere.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

"No, the deep green dress. I want the deep green dress. It's my father's favorite."

There's a sudden pep in my step. News of returning home is all I've wanted to hear. News of being with child was nonsense. This brings me real joy.

Eleanor nods curtly before she turns on her heel, retreating back to my chambers to inform of the dress needing to be packed away. She is the new Lady in Waiting His Majesty has provided me. And while she isn't much of a conversationalist, she listens.

Summer heat has slipped into the corridors, creating quite the sweat. Many have tried to have me seated at all times, but there's too much happiness within me to do so. With this news, even those who have wronged me I can see in a new light.

"Oh goodness me," I sigh, shaking my head. "I sent Eleanor away before telling her to pack my best jewels."

I'm speaking to no one but myself, but the message will come across to her in some other way. She'll find me eventually.

Men and women alike wander up and down the halls. I know none, but everyone else seems to know them as if they were a childhood friend. Little turn to look at me.

That's why a pair of dark blue eyes lingering on my silhouette confuses me. "May I help you?" I ask, stopping in my brisk walk.

He chuckles for a moment before shaking his head. "I thought that perhaps you were crazy for talking to yourself, but it appears you must have a lot on your mind. Are you new to court?"

I eye the stranger curiously. "I wouldn't say that. However, I do have much to plan. I am returning to Meteli to visit with my family."

He nods his head. "You're the new princess the kingdom speaks of so often. You sparked quite an interest within O'Khasis' people." His head lowers slightly in a bow. "I'm Henri Benedict Phillips. My father is Duke Ernest Phillips."

I nod my head, smiling softly. "It's lovely to meet you."

We chat for minutes on end before he asks if I'd join him for a promenade in the garden.

I accepted.