The afternoon light had softened when Arvin gently woke Mirha.
She stirred, blinking up at him with a small, sleepy smile.
"Hi," she murmured.
Arvin chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Hi. How are you feeling?"
Mirha sighed, the memory of the sharp pain returning. "I am a lot better. That was hell."
She turned to him, searching his eyes. "It was because of the tea, right?"
Arvin paused, then nodded slowly.
Mirha gave him a small, resigned smile. "It's alright. I know."
Arvin's brows furrowed in surprise. "Wait… what?"
Mirha's smile softened, a touch of sadness in it. "I know the effects of the wild carrot tea would catch up to me eventually."
Arvin stared at her. "Then why would you keep taking it?"
Mirha looked down for a moment, then met his gaze again with quiet honesty.
"Because that's what I was supposed to do as a concubine. Until the emperor and empress said they would use my womb, I was not supposed to bear anything."
Arvin went still as the cruel reality of a concubine's fate finally sank in fully. The weight of it hit him harder than he expected.
He pulled her into his arms, holding her close against his chest.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
Mirha pushed back just enough to look at him, her voice gentle but firm. "It's completely fine. I never liked the idea of anyone calling my children 'the concubine's children' anyway."
Arvin's expression tightened. "But no one would say that if they were my children."
Mirha gave a small, weary smile. "Yes… but from a concubine, not the empress."
Arvin was quiet for a moment, then asked softly, "But what if they did not have to be called the concubine's children? Would you have wanted them?"
Mirha paused. She thought of Nailah playing with little Kilimah, the pure joy the baby's laughter brought to the room. The image lingered.
"It would be nice," she admitted quietly.
Arvin didn't say much after that. He simply held her a little tighter, the unspoken weight of her words settling between them.
They ate lunch together in comfortable silence, the conversation from earlier still hanging in the air. Afterward, Mirha excused herself.
"I heard Gina has been looking for me," she said softly.
Arvin nodded, watching her go with a thoughtful expression as she left the room.
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Mirha found Gina in one of the quieter sitting rooms overlooking the palace gardens. Gina looked up and smiled brightly the moment she saw her.
"Mirha!"
Mirha returned the smile and sat down beside her. "How are you doing?"
"I am feeling amazing," Gina said, her eyes sparkling. "Although I haven't seen you since our arrival yesterday. Where have you been?"
Mirha paused for a fraction of a second, realizing Arvin had kept her little collapse a secret. She didn't want pity or questions, so she kept her answer simple.
"I fell asleep as soon as I stepped into the palace," she said with a small laugh.
Gina listened, then smiled knowingly. "That long journey really takes it out of you, doesn't it?"
Then Gina leaned in, lowering her voice with excitement. "I have a secret to share with you, Mirha."
Mirha sat up a little straighter, curious. "Tell me."
Gina's face lit up. "I am with child."
Mirha paused, then broke into a genuine smile and a soft giggle. "Really? Gina, that's amazing news! How did you know?"
Gina laughed, placing a hand on her belly. "I missed my cycle last month and…" She stood up and gently pulled her gown taut to show Mirha. Her tummy was already quite rounded — looking closer to three months than one.
Mirha's brows furrowed slightly, but she quickly masked her concern. The size seemed too big for only one missed cycle, but she didn't want to scare her friend.
"Have you confirmed it with a physician yet?" Mirha asked gently.
Gina shook her head, still beaming. "Not even Rnzo knows. You are the first person I've told."
Mirha smiled warmly and took Gina's hand. "I will have Mayora come see you. I promise she will keep it secret, just as you wish."
Gina sat back down and squeezed Mirha's hand tightly. "Thank you, Mirha. I love you so much."
Mirha nodded, returning the squeeze. "I love you too."
Gina settled back, still glowing. "Kanha will give birth soon too. She is already showing — probably in the next two or three moons."
Mirha nodded slowly. "I see."
Gina tilted her head, studying her. "Is anything the matter?"
Mirha shook her head, forcing a smile. "Nothing. I am just exhausted."
Gina accepted the answer with a nod. "Alright. Oh — I almost forgot to tell you! Kiara is just near here in Magili. She, her baby, and Tando are planning to come here tomorrow."
Mirha's face brightened genuinely. "I can't wait to see their beautiful girl."
Gina clapped her hands together, excitement bubbling over. "Oh gods, I never knew we would reach this time where we are all mothers. Mirha, this is very refreshing!"
Mirha smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes… it is very."
Gina laughed and pointed at her playfully. "Don't dismiss it like that. It's you and Goya left!"
Mirha burst into laughter, and the two women shared a genuine, light-hearted moment. When the laughter faded, Mirha stood.
"I am getting tired. I will head back. Wanna have dinner with me later?"
Gina shook her head with a grin. "I will be with Rnzo later."
Mirha nodded. "Alright. I will have Mayora come check on you later."
Gina waved as Mirha turned to leave. "Alright. Bye!"
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Mirha made her way to Mayora's chambers later that afternoon. The moment she entered, Mayora bowed respectfully.
"My lady, how are you doing?"
Mirha offered a small, tired smile. "I am okay."
Mayora gestured to a comfortable seat. "Please, sit."
Mirha sat down, folding her hands in her lap. Mayora took the seat opposite her.
"I promise I will find something to help keep your womb safe," Mayora said gently.
Mirha gave a small, appreciative smile. "I am here for a different reason."
Mayora paused, listening attentively.
Mirha continued, her voice quiet but serious. "I am afraid the Duchess is having an abnormal pregnancy."
Mayora's brows furrowed. "But I don't think she is pregnant."
"Exactly," Mirha said. "She says she is only one month late, but her showing is at least three months."
Mayora's expression grew concerned. "That sounds dangerous."
Mirha nodded. "I did not want to cause her any distress, so I did not mention it. I need you to check on her and see the way forward. Please keep this between us."
Mayora bowed her head. "As you wish, my lady."
Mirha nodded once, then rose and headed back to her own room, the weight of her worries following her down the corridor.
Mayora went straight to Gina's chambers after speaking with Mirha.
Gina was already waiting, pacing nervously near the bed. When Mayora entered, Gina tried to smile, but her hands were trembling.
"Please, Your Grace," Mayora said gently, guiding her toward the bed. "Lie down and try to relax."
Gina took a deep breath, forcing her nerves down, and lay back on the soft cushions. Mayora carefully lifted Gina's gown and began her examination, her experienced hands moving with quiet focus.
The moment Mayora touched her, her eyes widened in shock.
Gina was already dilating.
Mayora placed her ear gently against Gina's rounded belly. She listened carefully… and there it was — a strong, steady heartbeat.
Gina noticed the sudden change in Mayora's expression and immediately started panicking. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"What is it?" she whispered, voice breaking. "Is something wrong with the baby?"
Mayora quickly straightened, placing a reassuring hand on Gina's arm.
"No, please — no, Your Grace," she said firmly but kindly. "You are going to give birth soon. The baby is perfectly fine. I am simply surprised… your body has kept this child safe all this time. This is a miracle."
Gina's tears spilled over, a mix of fear and overwhelming relief.
Mayora turned to one of the waiting maids, her voice urgent but calm.
"Call Lady Mirha immediately. Tell her the Duke and Duchess are having a baby."
The maid bowed and hurried out of the room.
Mayora turned back to Gina, taking her hand gently.
"Breathe, Your Grace. Everything is going to be alright. We will get through this together."
Gina nodded shakily, one hand resting on her belly as another wave of nerves and anticipation washed over her.