Time/Date: TC1853.01.21 – Morning to Afternoon
Location: East Palace → Long Estate, 3rd Ring
Sunlight filtered through the East Palace's crystal windows, painting the bedchamber in shades of amber and gold. Amara lay against silk pillows that cost more than most families earned in a year, one hand resting protectively over her still-flat abdomen while Kael sat beside her, his fingers tracing gentle patterns along her arm.
"You should rest more," he murmured, golden eyes soft with concern that would have been touching if she didn't know how temporary this all was. "The physicians said early pregnancy requires—"
"I'm fine," Amara interrupted, managing a smile that felt more genuine than it should. "Just tired. The move yesterday was... exhausting."
Exhausting, the Devourer whispered from its hiding place deep in her soul. Such a delicate word for the performance of a lifetime.
