“Balthazar is far away,” Emily said firmly. “He can’t get to us. And Roman, Marcellious, and Malik are always on guard for danger. You are safe here.”
I swallowed hard, but the fear didn’t ease.
“Please, get up now,” Emily continued, tugging gently at my wrist.
“You need to know for sure.”
I forced myself upright, my legs weak beneath me.
Emily handed me my dress and closed the curtains, giving me privacy.
My stomach somersaulted as I pulled on the fabric, each movement making me dizzier and shakier.
Pregnant.
The word buzzed in my head, impossible to ignore.
When I stepped out of the wagon, the sunlight hit me like a slap, too bright, too real.
“Do you know where the men are?” I asked, my voice tight.
Emily adjusted her shawl. “Gathering supplies. Roman asked me to accompany you to the healer.”
My stomach tightened further.
Roman planned this.
Emily turned toward Chiara, her nursemaid, who sat ahead of us in the back of the carriage.
She opened the carriage door, and Rosie climbed inside without protest.
“We’ll be right back. We’re going into that house,” Emily called.
Chiara nodded. “Okay.”
I blinked against the glare of the sun.
Ahead of us, a small, humble cottage stood nestled between rolling fields. The sky behind it was streaked with lazy, drifting clouds.
The two other carriages stood still, their drivers lounging in the shade, the horses flicking their tails lazily.
I licked my lips, swallowing against the nausea. “Where exactly are the men gathering supplies?”
Emily motioned ahead. “Not far. Come on.”
I hesitated, shifting on my feet.
Then, from the corner of my eye, a flash of movement.
A skinny dog slunk toward me, tail wagging hesitantly.
I held out my hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, she nervously licked my fingers.
Then, she flopped onto the ground, rolling onto her back, exposing a belly full of swollen nipples.
My chest tightened at the sight.
“Oh, look! She’s a mama dog!” I crouched, running my fingers over the soft fur of her head.
