Chapter 29

India stared out the window. The sun was setting, leaving a glow behind that she would have ignored before she knew Aleks, one she would have watched with him if he had lived, but the sunset was now a countdown on how long she had left with her child and how soon she would be reunited with Aleks, a bittersweet fate. 

The red robe she wore hung off her, a testament to the weight she’d lost. Somehow her baby was safely protected within her by a force she couldn’t explain, but she was grateful. She caressed the bump as the child moved, feet pushing at the skin. 

Tears filled her eyes. Aleks should have been here for this. He should have been here when she was crowned queen, here to watch their child grow in her. 

The door opened, but she didn’t turn around. The only person allowed in her room was Hilda. The priestess had survived that day, and they had been a shoulder to lean on for each other as grief threatened to break them.

“How are you feelin