Book 2: Mothers and Daughters

Emory

I am so sick of bed rest. I’m bored out of my mind, and I miss the outdoors. As I’m about to enter my second trimester, I feel worse by the day. Helga and Nellie hover and ply me with calming teas. They fluff the mountain of pillows I lie on and cater to every food craving I have no matter how absurd.

Lola has taken to following Nellie around the castle when she’s not spending time with Willow in the library. She’s made herself a favorite of the castle staff, who sneak her candy and snacks. She’s been paying attention to the castle gossip as the staff is even worse than the nobles, and they know far more juicy information. Lola tells me about the gossip she’s overheard in the afternoons as we have lunch at the small dining table in my suite.

Lunch today is light with a mixed fruit salad of strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and kiwi garnished with mint leaves and honey. There is a cheese platter with a selection of brie, camembert, aged cheddar