Elara's pov
The next morning came too quickly.
I woke up feeling sick again, that now-familiar nausea rolling through me before I even opened my eyes. I forced myself up anyway, pushing through the dizziness as I rang for Lena.
"Your Majesty. Elara?" She appeared at my door, concern already written on her face. She always knew. "Are you–"
"Yes yes Lena I am okay," I cut her off, perhaps more sharply than I intended. "I need to dress. Full royal regalia. The formal robes. My crown."
Lena's eyebrows rose slightly. "The heavy ceremonial robes? Your Majesty, those are only worn for–"
"State occasions. I know." I met her eyes in the mirror. "Today is a state occasion. I'm calling an emergency council meeting."
Understanding dawned on her face. "Kaelen."
"Kaelen," I confirmed. "Help me dress, Lena. I need to look every inch a queen today. I cannot afford to show any weakness."
