Morning came softly.
No urgency.
No tension pressing at the doors.
Just quiet movement.
Lyra sat at the edge of the bed, one hand resting lightly against her stomach as she waited.
For once,
she wasn’t moving.
Wasn’t planning.
Wasn’t deciding.
She was simply… still.
The healer entered not long after.
Composed.
Focused.
Accompanied by two assistants carrying small instruments and neatly prepared materials.
“Your Majesty,” the healer greeted with a respectful bow.
Lyra gave a small nod.
“Let’s get this over with,” she said lightly.
But there was something beneath it.
Something quieter.
Kael stood nearby.
Not seated.
Not relaxed.
Watching everything.
The examination began gently.
Careful hands.
Measured movements.
Questions asked in calm tones.
“How have you been fe
