Layra

A stream of Light stirs me from a Dreamless Sleep, as the sun peers through the heavy drawn curtains. I Rise to Find The Children still Sleeping. I slip into a warm, quilted robe, tying the sash loosely, and step out into the corridor.

Today I Meet with James and Jonathan per the Status of the king's remaining Children. The inviting Scent of freshly pressed Coffee Guides me Toward The Dining Room. I Enter to Find Layra Seated, quietly Reading to her Self.

"Good Morning, Layra." I Speak.

She jumps with fright and scrambles to her feet. "Your Majesty! My Sincerest Apologies! I Did not See or Hear you Come in!"

I Smile. "No Need to Worry your Self, my Dear. What a Pleasant Surprise to See you up and about."

"Yes, my QUEEN." She Says, curtsying. She continues. "Breakfast has Been Prepared for you and The Children, and I Do not Know if you prefer Coffee or Tea in The Mornings." Layra walks over to the Beautiful Oak Buffet, lifts the large silver tray and carries it to the center of the table. She removes the lid, Revealing five neatly laid covered plates, one mug, five cups, a freshly brewed pot of tea, a hot carafe of coffee, cream, sugar, honey, jams, and butter.

"I Tend to Drink Tea by Habit." I respond. "However, your fragrant Coffee extended a warm Welcome this Morning." I Said, seating my SELF at the head of the table.

She nodded, Selecting a plate and setting it down gently in front of me. She removed the cover, picked up the mug, and poured a cup of Coffee. The Delicious Aromas made my mouth water as my eyes Feasted upon the most Stunning Eggs Benedict I had ever Seen - the egg poached to Perfection and the Hollandaise Sauce splendidly creamy, a complimentary plate of fresh fruit and yogurt, and a small basket of warm, fluffy biscuits.

"Layra!" I Breathed. "Where did you Learn such Skill?"

She Smiled Knowingly. "My Mother was professionally Trained in some of The Greatest Kitchens."

I looked her in the eye Questioningly. She sighed quietly to herself before continuing. "Maman fell in Love with a young Intellect. She became with Child and lost her stature within Society. His shame left her to Raise me alone. She Found a place at the Inn, and when I was of age, I too joined her."

I nodded Silently, Remembering my own Child Growing inside of me. Unease settling in my HEART.

"How do you take your Coffee, my QUEEN." Layra interrupted my Thoughts. She shifted nervously.

"I am not too Familiar with the terminologies. You seem to have a Better Understanding. Surprise me." I Said nonchalantly. She Relaxed, pouring a small amount of cream and a single cube of sugar before stirring.

"Sit." I Say, gesturing towards a vacant chair at the table to the right of me. "Let us Enjoy this Beautiful Meal."

Taken aback, she stutters. "B-but my QUEEN. I am not of Status to Dine with your Grace." Her eyes wide.

"I eat many a Meal without Company. It will Be a small Luxury to Dine with another." I reply. "Now eat. The Children will be bounding in before long. Who Knows when you will next have The Opportunity."

Understanding spreads across her face, and she argues no more. Layra Selects her own platter, refills her own mug and takes a seat Dutifully.

"Let us PRAY." I bow my head, Layra following suit.

"Yes, your Majesty." She Gently replies.

"Our GOD WHO Art in HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME. THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as IT IS in HEAVEN. GIVE us This Day our Daily Bread, and FORGIVE us our trespasses as we Learn to FORGIVE those who trespass against us. AND LEAD us not into temptation but DELIVER us from evil. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN."

"Amen." Layra repeats.

"Let us eat." I Say as I Begin to Prepare my first bite, ensuring a Complete forkful of egg, fresh-sliced tomato, thick-sliced ham, biscuit, and sauce. I lift the fork to my mouth and Find my SELF Transported to The HEAVENS, the Flavors absolute DIVINITY. I chew, Allowing every Ingredient to caress my tongue. "Mmm.. This is beyond Delicious!"

She Smiles warmly. "Thank you, your Grace. You are too Kind."

Together, we Enjoy the Remainder of our Meals before I Excuse my SELF. "Thank you, Layra, for the Delectable Breakfast. I look Forward to many more." I Rise from the Table. "Tonight these Chambers will be Filled with nine total Children."

"Yes, your Grace." She curtsies. "I look Forward to Serving."

I turn and leave, exiting The West Wing and heading toward my Chambers. Landon Greets me as I Enter.

"My QUEEN." He Inquires, bowing his head. "How are you Feeling?"

"Better. Thank you. The Doctor Does Work his Wonders." I respond Mindfully.

He nods gravely before I continue. "There will be no entry into these Chambers going Forth outside of one young Woman carrying Meals when Necessary. Her Name is Layra. Should others Inquire, her Name is Sammantha."

"Yes, my QUEEN." I nod and enter.

Finally, Peace and Quiet. I Move through my usual Morning Routine - washing, bathing, dressing and grooming as The Day Requires. Before exiting the room, I step in front of the full-length mirror, surveying my body in its Entirety. My breasts Appear slightly more round and heavy set, and my skin has a slightly Healthier Glow.

How long before I will no longer Be able to Conceal this Child?