Vida's eyes glistened as she embraced her son."We never stopped fighting for this day."
Krevan stood motionless, his face unreadable."Yes," he managed finally."The system is imperfect."
"Earth has also extended its protection to both of you," Tray said, his voice measured."The authorities recognize your mating must remain unbroken.While we would prefer you make your home on Triaxe, Earth remains viable for settlement."He leaned forward, his expression growing serious."But remember—true safety only comes when we cross Triaxen borders with the crystal secured by our government."His eyes moved from Krevan to Ancelin and back."Any further questions?And might we examine the crystal now?I've long awaited seeing this remarkable crystal firsthand."
“I’m ill.”Ancelin placed her hand over her mouth.“I’m sorry.Excuse me.”Ancelin rushed off to the nearest bathroom.She was unable to close the door behind her.Ancelin heaved painfully.
"Ancelin, my sweet girl," Krevan whispered, holding her steady as her body convulsed.The contents of her stomach splattered into the basin."This worries me."
Ancelin wiped her mouth with the back of her hand."One minute I'm sick, the next I'm starving.And so tired."She leaned into his chest."But I'm thrilled about everything, truly."
Krevan stroked her hair."I've waited years to hear that news.But you need rest now.Mother will prepare something for everyone to eat.Those Triaxen soldiers are half-frozen and famished."He pressed his lips to her temple."Let me take you upstairs."
"I can't miss anything important," Ancelin said."The crystal—did you give it to them?"
"Not yet.I came straight after you."
Ancelin groaned."Sorry.It hit without warning."
"Tray says we'll depart for Triaxe once the storm breaks.A few soldiers will remain to guard the house until we resolve this crystal situation.We can return later for our belongings or even continue living here if you prefer."He studied her face."Are you feeling any better?"
"The nausea's passed, at least for now."Ancelin wiped her mouth with the back of her hand."And I've made up my mind about Verrian.I'm never coming back here."
Krevan cupped
her face between his palms, studying her pallor."This isn't just stress, Ancelin."
"You really think I could be...?"
"The contraceptive shot isn't foolproof."His thumb traced her cheekbone."We'll find a test when things calm down.Would it be so terrible?"
"Terrible?No."She pressed her hand against her abdomen."Frightening, yes."
"That's not how you reacted when I mentioned it before."
"I know.But I chose to be intimate with you, and these are the natural consequences."Ancelin pressed herself against his chest."Though it might just be the stress making me ill."A nervous laugh escaped her lips.
"Whatever the cause, I recognize your concern about bringing new life into our current situation.I don't understand your Earth expression, but I do know that with both Triaxen and Earth authorities supporting us now, our safety is more assured."
Ancelin stretched upward to kiss his cheek."You're adorable when you're puzzled," she whispered, running her fingers along his broad shoulders while gazing up at him."I just want this fear to end."They made their way to the kitchen where Vida was organizing ingredients.The rich scent of searing meat hit Ancelin like a physical blow, sending her rushing back to the bathroom with Krevan close behind.After emptying her stomach again, but only having dry heaves, she returned cautiously to the kitchen, easing herself onto a stool at the island.Her hands trembled slightly as she watched Vida cook, breathing in shallow sips of air to avoid another wave of nausea.
Krevan's mother slid a plate of plain bread and a steaming mug toward Ancelin."Eat slowly," she instructed with a knowing look."This should calm your stomach.When did these symptoms start?Fatigue?Hunger mixed with nausea?"
"Just the past few days," Ancelin said, nibbling cautiously at the bread's edge."It's getting worse though.I was just tired and ravenous at first.Now I'm sick too.Probably just stress from everything happening."
Vida's eyes crinkled with amusement."What you've got isn't contagious—except to women who sleep with my son, and he’s mated with."She winked."You're carrying a child.I've birthed enough to recognize the signs, and I'm done adding to my collection.Grandchildren are much more sensible."She turned to check something simmering on the stove."Triaxen babies are demanding.The early months are particularly rough.You must keep your strength up, even when you don't feel like eating.And don't hesitate to tell Krevan when you need space.Intimacy loses its appeal when you're fighting nausea."
Heat flooded Ancelin's face as she realized Krevan and his father were standing in the doorway, listening.She fanned herself frantically.
"Those hot flashes confirm it," Vida said, sliding another roast into the oven."A Triaxen child takes after its father.Your body is adapting more dramatically than in human pregnancies.You'll need Krevan's venom regularly—it strengthens both you and the baby, even helps with the queasiness."
"But I had a contraceptive shot," Ancelin protested.
Vida just laughed.
"The prevention shot isn't perfect, especially with how...intimate you two have been," Vida said with a knowing smile."Call it mother's intuition."She wiped her hands on her apron."I've had seven children myself and could still have more if I wanted.That's one benefit of being mated to a Triaxen—you stay youthful much longer than Earth women."She glanced at Ancelin's untouched bread."My youngest just turned ten.Eat, dear."
Ancelin nibbled the bread, saying nothing.
