Morning didn’t arrive gently this time.
It came with discomfort.
With unease.
With something Lyra couldn’t control.
She woke before the sun had fully risen, her body already tense, her stomach tight in a way that didn’t feel right.
At first, she thought it would pass.
Just a moment.
Just a wave.
But it didn’t.
It built.
Quickly.
Sharply.
Lyra pushed herself up from the bed, one hand pressing against her stomach, the other gripping the edge of the mattress.
Her breathing shifted.
Uneven.
Then
she rushed.
Barely making it to the basin before it hit her.
Her body folding forward as the sickness took over.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
Then it opened.
“Your Majesty”
The maiden froze.
Seeing her.
Seeing everything.
“Call the healer,” Lyra managed between breaths, he
