“And her friend,” the shorter guard adds, glancing at his companion. “Let her in. The Queen will want to see her.”
The first guard opens the door, and I step inside.
The room is dim, curtains drawn against the late afternoon sun. Astra sits on the edge of her bed, one hand pressed to her stomach, her face pale. Luna is curled up beside her, the black cat’s golden eyes tracking my movement.
“Astra.” I cross to her quickly. “The guards said you’re not feeling well?”
“Just a stomach thing.” She waves a dismissive hand, but the gesture lacks energy. “It’ll pass.”
I kneel in front of her, studying her face. “How long have you been sick?”
“A few days. Maybe a week.” She grimaces. “I can’t keep anything down. Even the smell of food makes me—” Her hand flies to her mouth.
I grab the basin from her nightstand just in time. She retches into it, her whole body shaking with theforce of it.
When she’s done, I help her lie back against the pillows. “Let me check you. Just to be safe.”
She nods weakly, closing her eyes.
I place my hands on her abdomen, letting my healing magic flow outward. The familiar warmth spreads through my palms, searching for infection, inflammation, anything that might explain her symptoms.
Then, I feel it.
A second heartbeat. Tiny. Fluttering.
My breath catches, and my hands go still.
“What?” Astra’s eyes fly open, curiosity in her gaze. “What is it?”
“Astra.” I pull my hands back slowly, a smile spreading across my face. “You’re pregnant.”
She gapes at me for a full five seconds, her eyes widening. “What?”
“There’s another life inside you.” I press my hands back to her stomach, joy bubbling up in my chest. “You’re carrying Lucian’s child.”
Her mouth opens again, and a stunned laugh escapes her. “Are you serious?”
“I felt the heartbeat. It’s small—maybe six weeks along.” I squeeze her hand. “The nausea, the exhaustion, the food sensitivity. It all fits.”
“A baby?” Wonder floods her voice. Her hand moves to her stomach, pressing gently. “We’re having a baby?”
“You should have a senior healer confirm it,” I say, still smiling, “but I’m pretty certain.”
A brilliant smile breaks across her face, chasing away the pallor. “Oh my god. Lucian is going to lose his mind.”
“In the best way,” I agree, watching the happiness transform her features.
“I can’t believe it.” She laughs again, the sound bright and full of awe. “After everything…After thinking I’d never even have a wolf, much less a mate…Now I get a baby?”
“You deserve all of it,” I tell her firmly.
Astra grabs my hand, her smile so bright, it could light the entire palace. “Come with me. I need to tell Lucian right now.”
Before I can protest, she’s pulling me toward the door, her earlierexhaustion completely forgotten. I stumble after her, laughing at her excitement.
“Astra, maybe you should rest—”
“Rest? Are you kidding?” She looks back at me, eyes sparkling with pooling tears. “I’m about to tell my mate we’re having a child. Nothing else matters right now.”
