Tasmina
As the weeks passed, my bump grew bigger. Sanaz kept pace with me, her protruding stomach matching mine. She was far smaller than me though, and needed her rest, as her back ached from carrying such a heavy load.
“This bastard is breaking my back,” she complained one day at breakfast. “He had better be worth it.”
Ruki and I laughed and she grinned in our direction. Salma tutted.
“He will, hopefully, be Crown Prince of Zamee. Do not call him a bastard, he will be the pride and joy of this family.”
“Aunty Salma, I was merely jo—”
“These are not laughing matters, niece. This child could be the greatest king Zamee has ever seen… unless…”
Her eyes moved to my stomach distastefully, and I found myself placing a protective hand over it. Goddess, I prayed for patience each day
