Morning came quietly in the palace.
Not peaceful...just controlled.
Lyra was already awake when Kyle noticed her shifting against the pillows, one hand resting lightly over her stomach as if checking for reassurance.
“You should still be resting,” Kyle said immediately, his voice firm but low.
Lyra exhaled slowly.
“I’m fine,” she repeated for what felt like the tenth time. “I’m fine, Kyle.”
He didn’t look convinced.
“You fainted yesterday.”
“I didn’t faint. I...”
“You collapsed.”
Lyra paused, then narrowed her eyes slightly.
“…I temporarily disagreed with my body.”
That earned the faintest shift in his expression...almost a reluctant exhale.
But he didn’t relax.
Not fully.
His hand remained near hers, protective even in silence.
A knock came at the door.
Before either of t
