Lion Head Mesa i can't let you go now that I've got you

It was near dawn when she felt it. The first stirring of movement in her swollen belly, a horrid twisting feeling deep within her. Serein scrambled from her den to vomit somewhere that wouldn't leave her with soiled bedding, shuddering as the feeling went on and on.

It was several minutes before it stopped, and she slumped into a sitting position with a soft whine. She wanted to love her children. She did. But they made her feel so disgusting; she'd barely made it through the journey home, slowed by the storm in her head as much as the strain on her body. After a few moments she moved to bury her mess, then started for the nearest waterway to clean her face.

Defne knew upon their first meeting that she did not like Serein. She was too bold, a woman of impure blood who had come and taken what was sacred. She did not seem to understand her role, nor the nuances that came with it. A wife, potential or not, should be soft, graceful, silent in how she moves and subtle in her opinions.

Maybe that was why she took a small pleasure in seeing how pregnancy rattled the young woman. To Defne, it felt like proof that Serein was unworthy.

She followed her this morning, skulking in the shadows with a smile painted onto her face already. Not feeling well?

That smile churned her stomach. Serein stiffened at the sight of Defne, ears flattening for a moment before she forced her posture into something more confident. She would give Kemal children, after all. Defne never could.

I hear it is common in women with child, Serein commented, her tone serene in stark contrast to the storm in her belly. A small price to pay. She wasn't sure if she truly believed that, yet — but she wanted Defne to believe it.

Defne shrugged, striding forward without ever getting too close — as though Serein were diseased. I never got sick while I was pregnant. Maybe it's not so common. A subtle jab, and then, But you shouldn't complain, some women have it much worse. Something to shame her.

But as intentionally hurtful as it all was, Defne spoke as though it were intended to be kind advice.

Oh, was I complaining? Serein smiled, feigning a fatuous demeanor. I must have missed it. With that she turned to depart, deciding then that Defne could keep company with the mess Serein had left. It seemed fitting.

She didn't look back. Maybe Disa was around somewhere, she thought, putting her nose to the ground. Or Kemal. Anyone who wasn't Defne, really.