“He is already courting someone new?” she replied to that, mild surprise in her tone, though it didn’t speak true enough to the emotion she felt.<br/><br/>Not a single letter she’d written to her father had been replied to. The man she’d sold herself into a loveless marriage for had all but forgotten her in the wake of a new bride to be. Certainly, she was happy that her father would finally find love after all these years, but could he not say that to his own daughter? To let her know directly, instead of having to hear it from the Queen and her insolent, conniving spawn of the devious gods who plagued fate?<br/><br/>But what struck a chord with her most were Abby’s words. Thank the heavens, she didn’t show a reply outwardly as her mind reeled, her eyes maintaining the look that they’d held just before taking a sip of her own tea.<span style="font-style: italic">“If I’m carrying a child for her brother…” What could she possibly know that would make her so bold as to throw out an accusation so carelessly? So rashly? Our alliance is set in stone, and no marriage my father has now will negate that; Ivor and I are bound in holy matrimony before king and god. When it is our time, both Veruu and Sirmia will be governed. It’s as though all those romps in the hay, or storage rooms, or cupboards has filled the poor girl’s mind with soot. She can’t be thinking clearly,</span>Maria thought to herself, sipping a bit more before her cup was place back atop the table.<br/><br/>Her cheeks had flushed, a sudden heatwave crashing over her as Simprina moved forward, a wrist to her forehead. “Begging your pardon, your grace,” she spoke to the queen, ignoring Abby’s presence, just as her own had been. “I think it best that Maria get some sleep. She’s beginning to grow hot, and I can see she’s beginning to feel unwell.”<br/><br/>“You worry over nothing, Simprina,” Maria tried, giving a weak smile to her lady-in-waiting, her only known friend and ally in her group (one she hoped to count the queen in someday, for certain). “It’s simply nausea. Nothing overly troubling, I assure you.”<br/><br/>“If you’ll forgive the intrusion once more, My Lady has still been over-exerting herself and I merely want to make sure she is well-rested.” With a bow of her head, in respect, she added, “May I call upon you when she is feeling a bit better, after a rest, to speak with you once more? If I may speak so freely, she does like your company and would be better for it, I’d imagine.” A quick look at Maria and she was bowing her head once more, stepping back. “If I’ve overstepped, I do apologize as it’s not my place. I merely meant it as a compliment while looking out for my Lady’s needs.”<br/><br/>“I am a bit tired…” Maria admitted. “Would it bother you, Mother, if we spoke a bit later? I think I need to lie down…”<br/><br/>Barely a look was given to Abby, which she could take as she liked. There would be much to discuss with Simprina once she was free and clear, and much to discuss with Brádach when he returned. Until then…she could only hope they’d allow her a moment of privacy in the guise of necessary rest.