"Good, you're awake," came a soft female voice.
Eleanor turned toward the voice.
Her sister, Caoimhe, sat there in a chair next to the bed. Caoimhe, the perfect vision of a Terran. Trim figure, curves where they were supposed to be. Dark, almost black hair that laid in perfect waves over her shoulder. Eyes as dark as chocolate, and a perfect mouth, with that incredibly beautiful skin. She'd never even had a pimple. One wouldn't dare pop up on her skin. She was perfection. Terran perfection.
Nothing like Eleanor. While having the same dark hair, Eleanor's never laid perfectly. Their skin tone was close, but Eleanor’s was lighter, and she did have pimples. And the eyes. Eleanor had blue eyes that stood out no matter what she did.
They were in a small hospital room in the palace. Her posture was perfect, and she sat down the data pad she held and met Eleanor's expression. And it was not the happiest look on her face.
"I'm sorry. I don't--I was so--"
Caoimhe nodded. "You are going to be fine."
"I know. I just cannot believe it."
Caoimhe glared at her. "I cannot believe you! How could you?"
"Not want to be sold?" Eleanor asked.
She shook her head. "We both know we are nothing more than pawns in Father's game of galactic ownership. We have never been more than things he sees as tools to get what he wants. He was the same way with Mother."
"I hardly remember her."
"Sometimes, it's best if you don't," Caoimhe replied. "She's gone. And we're alone with him."
"We have Bianca," Eleanor said.
"Regardless," She stood up. "Sister, please, do not go out there without thinking and try to fix your problems on your own. I'm your sister, I can help you. Please come to me first."
"I would have, but you always have to fix things for me. I thought if I took care of this on my own, I could make it get better and not have to bother anyone in the process of fixing it."
"That did not work out as you expected," Caoimhe said. She sighed and glanced at the door. "Come in."
The doctor from before came inside, and Eleanor curled in on herself, pulling her sheets further over her body.
Caoimhe just stood there.
"I am only going to check you."
"Haven't you done enough?" Eleanor spat.
The doctor turned to Caoimhe. "Did you tell her?"
"Tell me what?" Surely nothing horrible was happening. She couldn't be pregnant after only a few hours. She had monitored her cycle rhythm, and she had been at the least likely time for a child.
The doctor sighed and turned back to the door. He sealed it behind him and came over to the bedside.
"I am the Emperor's physician."
She nodded. "I know. I have seen you. You shot me."
"I take care of the Emperor."
"I know."
He leaned down. "I take care of only the Emperor."
Eleanor blinked.
