with the morning sun. “Varilla? You awake yet?” she asks with a cheery smile in her voice.

I roll over with a yawn. “I’m awake. I’ve just been laying here for a while watching the sky lighten up. Is Etruscilla up yet?”

“She is indeed. Dia tells me that she has requested your morning meals to be ready in a half hour. Would you like help getting dressed?”

I stand up and am about to nod in the affirmative when bile suddenly fills my throat. I jump up and lean out the window just in time for my stomach to empty itself outside. As I retch, Euphrosine hurries over and pulls my hair out of the way.

“Ugh. That wasn’t pleasant. Some water, please, Euphrosine?” My maid pours me a glass of water and I sip the cool liquid. It soothes my burning throat, and I thank her. I sink back onto the couch, and close my eyes. “Is pregnancy always like this?” I ask Euphrosine.

She smiles sympathetically, and says, “Always? Not at all! I’m sure in a month or 3 you’ll feel much better!”

I laugh dryly. “Oh, you’re so reassuring!”