The artwork above is not mine.
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The hut was nearly silent, thanks to the heavy wards and shields placed over it. Despite the quiet, Seren couldn't sleep. She was too busy thinking. Jorah never used to wear wraps on her arms, and I know she's using them to hide bruises. I've seen the ones on her wrists. Who is doing that to her? Her father? Someone else? Kallon?
She didn't know, and it scared her. I don't want her to be in trouble, Seren thought. But I can't help her if she won't trust me with whatever is going on. She rubbed her hands together anxiously. Seren smiled to herself, realizing she hadn't tensed at the feeling of her scars. In fact, her scars hadn't been bothering her so much lately. She'd been distracted by everything else.
I haven't had a nightmare since that first night Azriel stayed here with Cassian, she realized. The thought filled her with prideful happiness. Seren rolled over and nestled closer to her mate. His features were softened by sleep. Seren lifted a hand to his bare shoulder and began tracing his tattoos.
"Don't wake him," she whispered to the shadows. They remained still, although the one around her arm squeezed gently. Azriel made a small sound as he dreamed. One of his wings shifted over her. Seren covered his hand with her own and closed her eyes.
Her head began to spin and Seren swiftly rolled away from Azriel. She sprinted out of the room and down the narrow hallway towards a tiny bathroom, inconveniently placed next to Amren's room. Cassian snored from a rickety cot in the main room.
Seren slid to her knees next to the toilet and vomited. The dizziness faded, but only slightly. Her nausea remained. "Definitely have to talk to Madja when we get back," she mumbled to herself.
Amren appeared in the doorway, her hair and clothes ruffled from sleep. "Oh, it's just you."
Seren flushed the toilet and rinsed her mouth out before answering. "Yeah, it's me."
"Nightmare?"
"No."
Amren sniffed, looking her over. It was hard not to feel small under her gaze, even though Seren was several inches taller than Amren. "You aren't serious," she scoffed. "What were you thinking? Now is the worst time to have a baby!"
"Keep your voice down," Seren hissed. "Cassian doesn't know yet and nothing is confirmed. This is the first time I've thrown up." She shouldered past Amren. "And we know the risks. That's why we decided to try."
"You're both crazy. What about your trauma? What about Beron, Koschei, and Erebus? Do you know what will happen if Erebus finds out?"
"He won't find out unless you keep crowing about it," Seren snapped. "This decision was for Azriel and I to make alone. You can disapprove all you want, but at least respect us enough to be quiet for now."
"You're not going to be able to hide this. This might be the first time you've thrown up, but it won't be the last. People will notice, especially when your scent changes."
"And if they do, I'll go home, but like I said, nothing is confirmed yet."
"Just because it's not confirmed doesn't mean it's not there."
"I know."
Amren crossed her arms and tapped her sharp nails against them. At last, she sighed. "Herbal teas will help with the nausea. Chamomile and ginger would be best for you to use right now. When you're farther along, you can start using peppermint and red raspberry leaf. Drink lots of water, too. Morning sickness can dehydrate you quickly." Amren turned on her heel and disappeared into her room.
YOU ARE READING
A Court of War and Sacrifice
FanfictionA year has passed since Seren Marzena returned to the Night Court with her mate, Azriel. Their time of rest is coming to an end. Plans long kept silent are now being enacted. All across Prythian, threats are revealing themselves. The three Mortal Qu...