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Mirilla stepped just inside the small receiving offices of the medical suite and came to a complete stop. The room was filled with security forces for both the Sovereign, Sovereigna, Sire and Sirena, and with doctors and nurses.

“I’m here to see the Sirena,” Mirilla said.

“Mirilla?! Is that you?” the Sovereigna called out from down the hallway.

“Yes, Sovereigna. It’s me,” Mirilla called back. She smiled at one of Sovereigna Eula’s guards and stepped past him.

He inclined his head at her and gestured down the hall.

“Thank you,” she said.

He nodded at her and went back to his serious stature as a force to be reckoned with.

Mirilla followed the sound of voices until she found what she knew to be the head physician’s office now converted to a hospital room. She stopped just inside the door, a smile plastered on her face for so long now that her cheeks were beginning to cramp.

“Mirilla! There you are!” the Sovereigna said, sitting in a chair next to Vivian’s bed.

“Sovereigna. My apologies for my late arrival, and for missing your breakfast this morning.”

“Oh, don’t give it another thought. Chairman Bartholomew and his father have told us what a comfort you were to them overnight. How thoughtful of you to go to them when you heard Vivian was in labor. Then to take the time to leave instruction for all who expected to convene with you at breakfast this morning… I’m impressed.”

Mirilla smiled and nodded, feeling horrible for the deception.

“Oh, she was definitely a comfort and a welcome distraction,” Samuel said. “Don’t you agree, Bart?”

Bart smiled tightly. “Without a doubt.”

Vivian was reclining in her bed, having been moved from the birthing platform to a more comfortable, actual bed. Quin stood next to her.

“I’ve brought you some of the fruits and sweets I most favor. I thought you might enjoy them,” Mirilla said.

“You didn’t have to do that, Mirilla. But thank you, I appreciate the effort,” Vivian said tiredly.

It was clear that Mirilla didn’t know who to hand the basket to, and just about every surface in the room was taken up by someone sitting on it, or something having been placed on it.”

Au'revele who’d been sitting quietly beside the Sovereigna got up and walked over to Mirilla. “May I take it for you?” she asked, reaching for the basket.

“Please,” Mirilla said. “Thank you, Au'revele.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, flashing a quick smile at her over her shoulder as she placed the basket on the bed for Vivian to look through.

“Oh, these smell delicious,” Vivian said, holding a round piece of fruit near her nose and inhaling. “Like vanilla,” she said.

“They’re one of my favorites, and the elders of our people say they have healing properties. They’re popular with new mothers after giving birth.”

“I’m going to have one right now,” Vivian said. “Do I need to wash it or peel it or something first?”

“I’ve already prepared them to be eaten. They’ve all been cleaned and are ready as they are,” Mirilla said.

Vivian took a bite of the fruit and moaned appreciatively. “This is my new favorite,” she said, taking another bite.

“I’ll have some more harvested for you,” Quin said, leaning over to take a bite of the fruit himself.

“Tastes like honeysuckle and caramel with a splash of vanilla,” Vivian said.

“We’ll have to try some of those for ourselves,” Bart said. “Sounds delicious.”

“I can bring some to the royal residence for you,” Mirilla said.

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