Chapter 33: The Surprise

“Are you feeling alright, dear?” Calista asked standing by Illyra’s bed.

“I’m just a little sluggish,” Illyra groaned, pushing her fluffy, purple comforter away. She sat up slowly, rolling her sore shoulders and rubbing her aching lower back.

“Hmm.” Calista placed her hand on Illyra’s forehead. “You feel a little warm, but not like you have a fever. Anything else going on?”

“Just tired a lot,” the queen said.

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Calista slipped a silk robe on from behind her. She looked out to her private balcony; giant leaves hanging in place of a door, soft morning light filtering in through the leaf’s veins.

“Maybe you’re coming down with something,” Calista said, grabbing a brush. The older fae knelt on the bed behind Illyra and started brushing her hair.

“Maybe,” Illyra whispered. She placed a hand on her stomach.