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“What’s wrong?” he asked gently.
Scarlett peered up at him with tearful eyes. “Nothing,” she muttered. “The food is delicious.”
Nyla stood by the bed, her stance more like that of a warrior than a lady in waiting. She bowed as Grux approached.
“I have tasted everything and made sure it is healthy as well as tasty,” Nyla said. “I am in charge of her well-being, so it matters very much if the food is not palatable to my lady.”
While Nyla was talking, Scarlett rolled her eyes so hard Grux thought they might slip right out of her head.
“I can’t take this, Grux!” she cried. “I don’t want to lie here like an invalid or worse—like a doll! I’ll go crazy if I’m forced to stay in this bed.”
“That is unfortunate,” Nyla said, her voice firm. “But thankfully, insanity is something we can deal with quite easily by having you restrained. You will stay in bed as ordered.”
“Did you hear what she just said?” Scarlett hissed, staring up at Grux. “She said they don’t care if I go crazy, just so long as I stay in bed! I’ve got less rights than a breeding sow!”
Grux could see her distress, and he knew that if she got too worked up, they really would strap her down. Scarlett was barely keeping herself from crying.
“I have no control over my own life,” she said softly. “I never did. I almost wish I’d never known freedom! Having it taken away again is far worse than never knowing it!”
Before Scarlett could break down, Grux hurried over and took her hand. “How about I call the doctor?” Grux asked. “We’ll see if he has those results back. They might let you get off of bedrest if everything looks good. This was just a preventative measure.”
“She will not be permitted to leave this room at any rate,” Nyla snapped.
“That’s fine!” Grux snarled right back. “But I think you can see she needs some change to her circumstances, or she will not be well enough to bring the child to term.”
Nyla looked upset as if she’d happily strap Scarlett down and sedate her for the rest of her pregnancy, but she remained silent.
Scarlett stared up at him, eyes wide and pleading. He squeezed her hand gently, kissing her forehead. It was time that he held true to all his promises.
Grux hurried to call the hospital, hoping they would have some good news for Scarlett. Even if she was only allowed a little exercise, some autonomy was better than none.
Chapter 15
Scarlettfeltlikeherstomach was going to come out of her throat as the doctor examined her.
The hospital had said her results had greatly improved, and she would be able to walk around as long as it wasn’t too strenuous—like carrying heavy things or long-distance running. Scarlett had snorted at that.
ButNylahad said the palace doctor should confirm the hospital’s findings. The baby had to stay healthy. And if Scarlett heard one more of Nyla’s damn opinions, she just might make sure her nurse took a turn for the worse.
The doctor held a blank expression, leaving her to question everything. She wished the doctor would say something. At least let her know everything was good so far as he examined her.
Was she good? Had things gotten worse? Was she going to remain on bedrest longer? All of these questions were swimming in her head, making her anxiety spike.
Grux stood next to her, waiting patiently. It was clear he was the calmer of the two. He held a tranquil, relaxed expression while she looked like a disaster.
The doctor finally pushed himself back, leaning into his chair. He smiled. “You’re doing great, Scarlett. Everything is how we want it to look. I’ll be taking you off bed rest. I only ask that you continue to take it easy. Pregnancy is hard on the body, doubly so for the cross-species variety.”
Grux and she both sighed, relieved. He patted her hand, giving her a smile. “That’s great news.”
The doctor nodded. “I’ll just let you get dressed, and you guys should be good to get on the move. Simply be sure to take it easy and try to keep your stress as low as you can.”
It was magic to her ears. The doctor was saying she could move, which meant she could be on a spacecraft. They didn’t have to stay on Lorr anymore—even if they couldn’t go back to Earth, yet.
She looked at Grux excited. He would be able to take her away from here without the baby being in danger. They finally had a chance to get out of here. She wouldn’t have to be a prisoner anymore.
Grux handed her pants to her, allowing her to redress herself. She sighed after she finished and looked at Grux.
“So,” she said. “When are we going to leave?”
