The heavy oak doors of the royal bedchamber clicked shut, locking away the noise of the grand council hall, the cheering crowds, and the heavy weight of state politics.Inside the room, the air was warm, sweet, and quiet. A bright orange fire crackled softly in the stone fireplace, throwing dancing shadows across the high timber ceiling. Outside the tall glass windows, the sun was beginning to set behind the snowy peaks of the northern mountains, painting the sky in deep shades of purple, gold, and pink.Queen Lyra stood near the warmth of the hearth. She unfastened the heavy silver clasp of her white silk gown, letting the heavy fabric slip smoothly off her shoulders and pool around her feet. Underneath, she wore a soft, comfortable nightdress of light cotton. She placed both hands over her rounded eight-month belly, closing her eyes as a long, tired sigh escaped her lips.The excitement of the public coronation ceremony had been thrilling, but her body was heavy. Carrying an royal w
Last Updated : 2026-09-11 Read more