Amira sat in front of the dressing mirror, the soft morning light illuminating her delicate features as Nora gently brushed her long, dark hair.
Today, she was getting ready to join the royal family for breakfast, and it was a welcome change from the seclusion of her room in recent days.
"Your Highness, there are numerous invitations to grand soirees awaiting your response. Will you be gracing any of them with your presence?"
Amira turned to look at Nora, her hand resting on her small yet noticeable baby bump.
"I could attend, but it's quite exhausting," she admitted with a faint smile
" I can't help with the nausea whenever I am out," Amira said worriedly.
"You shouldn't bother yourself with that," Nora told her.
"Every pregnant woman feels that way from time to time. It is normal and healthy," Nora said.
Amira gave a nod.
Seated with the royal family around the ornate table, Amira idly picked at her food, her mind drifting elsewhere as the lively conversation flowed around her.
"Amira, dear, you really should eat something; it's important for the baby," Queen Miranda gently encouraged.
Amira glanced up from her plate to meet the concerned gaze of the Queen.
"I made certain that they prepared your meal separately; we have to be careful to avoid anything too oily or fried. It's not good for the baby," Queen Miranda continued.
"We wouldn't want the royal heir to suffer any ill effects from an unhealthy diet," added Katia, her tone tinged with sarcasm.
"Shut up, Katia. Is that how you address your sister-in-law." Katia's brow raised in confusion as her mother reprimanded her.
"Eat more dear" Leyla told her and Amira nodded.
After having their meal, Amira walked away.
Danielle came out her step quicken as Royal consort Leyla was already walking away.
"Your Highness," she called out, causing the lady to pause in her steps and turn towards Danielle.
Leyla turned gracefully, her gaze meeting Danielle's.
"Yes, dear?" she responded, her voice warm and welcoming.
"I have an intriguing update that I believe you will find quite pleasing and useful," Danielle informed Leyla, who tilted her head curiously in response. They proceeded to make their way to Leyla's private quarters.
Once there, the maid poured tea for both women as they locked eyes, the air filled with anticipation and curiosity.
Leyla was the first to pick her tea, taking a sip of it, while Danielle sat in silence, her gaze fixed on the steaming liquid in her cup.
"I believe you didn't call me back for tea, Danielle dear," Leyla remarked, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Danielle glanced at the maids, who stood with their heads bowed in the corner of the room, their presence almost imperceptible.
Leyla chuckled softly, understanding Danielle's unspoken message. With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the maid, who quietly exited the room, leaving the two women alone.
Leyla's frustration was palpable as she uttered.
"I hope this is useful. You have already wasted half of my time."
Danielle, unfazed by Leyla's impatience, responded with a smile, lifting her cup delicately and bringing it to her lips after giving it a brief sniff.
"Easy, your Highness, we both want the same thing," Danielle reassured her.
Leyla, visibly annoyed, rolled her eyes and set her cup down with a thud, signaling her readiness to dismiss Danielle.
But before Leyla could act, Danielle interjected confidently, "I have the right tools to take care of Amira."
As Leyla leaned forward, a sly grin began to spread across her lips.
"Do you now?" she said, her voice laced with intrigue.