Chapter 74: See-Through

I hurriedly whispered for Mariela to lie on her side as I grabbed another blanket and a few pillows to pad her and hide her growing belly. That should be sufficient cover if Rosenia didn't stay long.

"Let her in, Patrice," Mariela said softly.

I hopped off the bed and stood tall for decorum's sake, even if I was wearing one of my comfy sweater outfits.

Rosenia glided into the room without sparing the maid a glance. "Dear Mariela, you've been ill so long. The queen and I are worried about you."

"It is common to be ill this time of year but thank you for your concern."

Mariela's composure never wavered as she spoke though she was lying in a rather undignified position. I admired her for that. If it were me, I would have been sweating bullets.

"What is it that afflicts you so? You have been bedridden for over a month and hardly attended any tea parties long before that." Rosenia was definitely here snooping for information.

"Don't you know it's rude to ask people about their health problems?" I demanded, my royal manners deserting me. My natural speaking patterns tended to manifest themselves more when I was nervous.

I was terrified for Mariela's baby. Rosenia was one of the last people they wanted to find out. She would tell Sigmund immediately and the plotting against the unborn child would begin.

Rosenia's benign expression turned disdainful and she curled her lip at me.

"Who are you to question me? Your lower birth is evident in your harsh way of speaking. As is the way you dress. You are unworthy of your title."

Did she really think that would get to me? I knew better than anyone that I was unworthy of my title. Her words bounced right off me leaving no impact.

"I am merely looking out for one of my own," I drawled.

Her beautiful eyes narrowed into slits. "You consider the second princess one of your people?"

"Why not? She's my friend. We less important princesses ought to stick together."

I could tell Mariela was trying very hard not to laugh at Rosenia's increasing ire. Good. I was happy to amuse her.

Staying in bed all day must be dreadfully boring. Franz was with her most of the time but he didn't strike me as the most humorous fellow.

Rosenia was so obviously insulted that she couldn't even think of a retort. We had a bit of a standoff for a couple of awkward minutes.

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The three of us were quite a sight: Mariela under a mountain of blankets, Rosenia dressed to the nines and trying (but failing) to maintain her composure and me in my casual outfit and ponytail.

"I only wished to inquire about your condition, Mariela. It seems your guard dog won't even let me do that," she sniffed haughtily. Guard dog was a title I would happily accept if it got her to go away.

"Please forgive Katie, she is trying to look out for me in her own way," Mariela said soothingly to placate her. "Your concern is much appreciated. You can tell the queen that she does not need to worry; the doctor has been checking in on my condition frequently and I am expected to recover."

This appeased her slightly though I could tell she was still pissed. She smoothed out her skirts and drew herself up to her full height.

"That is good to know; I am sure Mother will be pleased to have you rejoin us for tea soon."

It was a mercy when the woman finally left.

Mariela groaned as she sat up with pillows propped behind her. Being on her side so long was terribly uncomfortable. She had to shift positions frequently because her belly was starting to seriously get in the way.

"Thank you for covering for me back there. I'm afraid I won't be able to pull off the charade much longer," she said with a heavy sigh. "I wish I were at home for the duration of my pregnancy—I wouldn't have to worry about any of this conflict."

I supposed the Shibatsu royal family wasn't anything like this one since the king had many children that all grew up to be healthy adults. Goodness knows this sort of thing wasn't a problem in my world. Babies didn't cause nearly this much controversy among extended families.

My heart went out to Mariela. This was supposed to be a happy, exciting time in her life.

She should have been like my coworkers who were free to post pictures of their baby bumps, ultrasounds, and gender reveals. Instead she had to hide her good news in fear of both of their lives.

"Any time. She's so see-through; it was completely obvious she was here to spy on you for the crown prince," I scoffed.

Worry creased her brow.

"Yes, but she may come again…I am unsure how much longer we will be able to hide this from the court. I imagine after a few more weeks the queen will insist on bringing in a specialist to assess my situation. It may be time to simply announce it on our own rather than deal with all of that additional hassle."

She went silent for a while after that. I tried my best to distract her with lighthearted topics until Franz came back to relieve me of my post. I headed back to my chambers in poor spirits.

Whoever thought being a princess would be fun was dead wrong. Being a princess could be terrifying. The sooner Al and I got out of here the better.

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