Сhapter 161

Elyra POV

I felt the retching rise again, bitter and acidic in my throat. My hand pressed to my belly, the other braced against the marble sink as I vomited for the second time that morning. Tears pricked my eyes, hot and useless. My entire body trembled with exhaustion.

A gentle knock came at the door. “Lady Elyra?” One of Mother’s maids. “Her Grace requests your presence in the throne chamber.”

I rinsed my mouth, staring at my reflection. My skin was sallow, my lips pale, my eyes rimmed red. I wiped a trembling hand across my mouth, forced my shoulders back, and turned to leave.

As I walked down the long polished hallways, lined with heavy red drapes and golden sconces, every servant’s gaze lingered on my belly. They knew. There was no hiding it now. My stomach curved under my cream dress, the swell undeniable.