"Your Majesty—"
The maid hurried down the corridor, nearly losing her balance as she bowed quickly. Her breath was uneven, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
Seraphina paused. "What is it?"
"Lady Alina… she has gone into labor."
The words were spoken with excitement, but also urgency. Already, movement stirred further down the hall. Another servant rushed past carrying folded cloths. A third hurried toward the stairwell.
Seraphina straightened slightly.
"When?"
"Just moments ago, Your Majesty. The midwives have been called."
Seraphina nodded once.
"Is Lady Mirelle there?"
"I believe so, Your Majesty."
Seraphina turned without another word.
"I'll go."
The maid stepped aside immediately.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The corridor grew busier the closer she moved toward the western wing. Servants passed in hushed haste, arms filled with basins, linens, and small bundles of herbs.
Voices were low. Doors opened and closed quickly. The air carried a scent of heated water and crushed leaves.
Outside the chamber, two maids stood near the door, speaking quietly. They straightened the moment they saw her.
"Your Majesty," one of them said, bowing.
Seraphina offered a small nod.
"How is she?"
"She is… in pain," the maid answered
carefully.
"The midwives are with her."
Seraphina stepped closer to the door.
"I would like to see her."
The two maids exchanged a brief glance, uncertain. Before they could answer, the door opened slightly and a midwife stepped out carrying a bowl.
She froze when she saw the queen.
"Your Majesty."
"I came to help,"
Seraphina said gently.
The midwife hesitated, then lowered her head.
"Of course."
She stepped aside.
Seraphina entered.
The room was warm, the air thick with the scent of herbs and heated water. Curtains had been drawn to soften the light.
Several midwives moved carefully around the bed, their voices low, their hands steady.
Alina lay propped against cushions, her hair damp, her breathing uneven.
One of the midwives held her wrist. Another adjusted the blankets. A third murmured something near her shoulder.
Alina's eyes opened as the queen stepped forward.
For a moment, surprise flashed across her face. Then something else replaced it—tight, guarded.
Seraphina approached slowly.
"Alina…." she said softly.
"I came to see you."
Alina did not answer immediately. Her gaze moved toward the midwives, then back to the queen.
"You shouldn't be here," she said.
The words were loud and lear.
The midwives shifted uncomfortably.
Seraphina stopped a few steps from the bed.
"I only wished to support you."
Alina exhaled sharply as another wave of pain passed. She closed her eyes briefly, then looked back at the queen.
"I don't need it," she said.
One of the midwives glanced between them, unsure whether to intervene.
Seraphina remained calm.
"You're in pain. I thought I might—"
Another breath cut her off.
Alina shook her head slightly.
"No. Please… just leave."
The room fell still.
The midwives lowered their eyes. One adjusted a cloth unnecessarily, simply to break the tension.
Seraphina stood for a moment. She did not argue or look offended. She only inclined her head slightly.
"As you wish," she said.
Alina did not respond.
Seraphina turned and walked toward the door. No one spoke as she left. The murmur of the midwives resumed only after it closed behind her.
Outside, the corridor felt cooler. The noise from inside the chamber was muffled now, reduced to distant movement and low voices.
Seraphina walked slowly down the hall, her hands folded neatly in front of her. Her expression remained composed.
She had nearly reached the turn in the corridor when footsteps approached from the opposite direction.
King Alaric appeared, moving quickly. He slowed when he saw her.
"Seraphina?" he said, surprised.
"You're here?"
She stopped. "Yes."
"I thought you'd be inside,"
he said, glancing toward the chamber door.
"I was."
He frowned slightly. "Was?"
"She preferred I leave."
Alaric blinked. "Leave?"
Seraphina nodded once.
"She wished to be alone with the midwives."
He looked toward the door again, then back at her.
"She said that?"
"Yes."
He exhaled.
"Labor makes people tense."
Seraphina gave a small, calm nod.
"Of course."
He studied her face briefly.
"You're not upset?"
"No," she said gently.
"She is in pain. It's understandable."
Alaric relaxed slightly. They stood in silence for a moment. From inside the chamber, a faint sound carried through the door, then quiet again.
"She'll be fine," Alaric said.
"I hope so," Seraphina replied.
He glanced at her again.
"You didn't have to come, you know."
"She is family," Seraphina said simply"
He nodded slowly.
"Very well."
She turned to go, then paused briefly.
"I hope the child arrives safely."
Seraphina gave a small smile, then continued down the corridor.
Alaric remained where he stood, watching Seraphina walk down the hall. Servants passed her, still moving between rooms, but she barely noticed them.
Though the moment had passed without argument, something small and sharp had settled beneath the surface.