Northstar Vale Greying Tower alone on the sea

I have faith. She said softly, whether or not she believed that herself was uncertain. It was quite possible that her trust was misplaced in the clan man's paws, but only time would tell if she was wrong. As the pain grew in her abdomen, she appreciated the grooming more so now than ever before - to look better than she felt was always good enough to carry through her day with a mask of pleasantries instead of sorrow.

Hiromi's growls were still audible, stinging her ears as the flower continued to protest their new companion within their walls. Of course she was right, but oh how Reiko hoped she wasn't. That would be the best-case scenario, yes? Even if he hasn't changed much. If he had forgotten about it all then the Empress would be free from those shackles and free to chose any suitor who would take her as theirs. No longer would the shadows of her parents loom over her choice.