Chapter 8

Yara

The next morning, sunlight filtered gently through the tall arched windows of my chambers, painting the golden tapestries in warm hues. My body still ached from the poison and the rejection, but the royal healers had done wonders. I felt stronger, though the constant nausea and dizziness worried me more than I let on.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

“Princess Yara,” came the soft voice of one of my personal maids. “The Royal Physician Elowen requests an audience for your morning checkup.”

I sat up slowly against the pillows, still feeling the deep exhaustion in my bones. “Let her in.”

The maid opened the door fully and announced in a clear, formal tone, “The Royal Physician Elowen and her attendants.”

Physician Elowen entered first, followed by two younger healers in training carrying trays of instruments, herbs, and vials. They all bowed deeply before approaching the bed. Elowen had been with our family for decades — a trusted, no-nonsense woman with sharp eyes and gentle hands. She had treated me as a child for scraped knees and childhood fevers. Seeing her now brought a strange comfort.

“Princess Yara,” Elowen said warmly, her voice full of genuine relief. “It honors me to see you awake and improving. How are you feeling this morning, Princess?”

“Tired,” I admitted. “And… nauseous. It comes in waves.”

Elowen nodded. “May the Moon Goddess continue to bless your recovery.”

She began her examination with careful, practiced movements — checking my pulse, listening to my breathing, running gentle hands over my abdomen while a soft glow of healing magic emanated from her palms. The two trainees stood respectfully behind her, observing and occasionally handing her tools.

As her magic deepened, Elowen’s brow furrowed in concentration. Then her hands stilled completely. Her eyes widened, and a bright, joyful smile broke across her face.

“Princess…” she whispered, voice trembling with emotion. She immediately dropped to one knee again, lowering her head in deep reverence. Her trainees followed instantly, kneeling beside her.

“Congratulations, Your Highness!” Elowen exclaimed, her voice ringing with pure happiness. “You are with child.”

The two trainees echoed her with bright, excited voices: “Congratulations, Princess Yara!”

The words hung in the air like a death sentence and a miracle at the same time.

I stared at her, my heart slamming against my ribs. “What?”

“It's in the early stages,” she continued, her face breaking into a warm, congratulatory smile. “Perhaps five or six weeks. The royal bloodline is protecting the pup strongly, that is why you survived the poison. The child’s life force anchored you. Congratulations, Princess Yara. This is a blessing from the Moon Goddess herself—”

My heart slammed violently against my ribs. The room seemed to tilt. Pregnant? For Ian? How?.

Horror flooded me. My hands instinctively moved to my stomach, pressing down as if I could hide the truth from the world. Tears burned in my eyes — not from joy, but from a chaotic storm of rage, fear, and unwanted tenderness.

Elowen’s smile faltered as she noticed my reaction. She rose slowly, confusion replacing the joy on her face. “Princess…? Is something wrong? This is wonderful news. The King and Prince Ronan will be overjoyed. An heir to the royal line after so long—”

“Enough.” The word flew out of me sharper than I intended.

Elowen blinked, startled into silence.

I grabbed her wrist, my grip tighter than necessary. My voice came out low, urgent, and trembling. “You will tell no one. Not my father. Not Ronan. Absolutely no one about this. Swear it on your life and your family’s honor.”

She searched my face, confusion and concern flickering in her eyes. “But Princess… this is joyous news. The King will be overjoyed. An heir—”

“I said swear it.” My tone left no room for argument. Hatred for Ian burned hot in my chest, but beneath it was a fragile, unwanted tenderness for the tiny life growing inside me. “This stays between us until I decide otherwise. Do you understand?”

She searched my face for a long moment, her happiness fading into deep concern and confusion. Finally, she bowed her head. “As you command, Princess. I swear on my life and the Goddess that I will keep this secret. No one will hear it from me or my trainees.”

The two younger healers also bowed, murmuring their oaths.

I released a shaky breath. “Thank you. Now… leave me.”

They gathered their things quickly and exited the room, casting worried glances back at me.

The moment the door closed, I curled into myself, pressing both hands over my stomach. Tears slipped down my cheeks, hot and silent.

A child.

Ian’s child.

The realization hit me like a storm. I closed my eyes, and the memory came rushing back — sharp, vivid, and painfully intimate.