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“As she should,” Tamara answers for her. “And as my son should’ve as well.”

The former queen comes up to me and takes my hands, the bracelets along her arms shivering as she gives my palms a squeeze. “How long have you been sick?”

“I don’t know…” I say. “A fortnight?”

Tamara’s concern doesn’t diminish. “Any other unusual symptoms?”

Again, I’m confused. “Food tastes a little off.” I mean, that is a normal issue that comes with sickness.

She presses a hand to my breast, and I suck in a sharp breath at the unexpected touch.

Memnon, your mother is cupping one of my breasts.

What?he says, alarmed.Gods, he thinks, probably more to himself than to me.I’m coming.

“Does that hurt?” she asks, drawing my attention back to her.

Beneath the shock of her touch, I realize that yes, in fact, my breasts are tender. Actually, really tender, now that I think about it.

I nod.

Memnon, you don’t need to come. I can handle your mother.

Tamara removes her hand. “When was the last time you bled?” she asks casually.

“Bled?” I echo.

I suck in another breath when I finally put together her probing questions. Could I…?

My pulse races at the possibility.

“It’s been a long time.” I don’t know how long. Longer than it probably should’ve been. “Do you think…?”

Tamara smiles softly at me. “You won’t know for sure for a while yet, but yes, it is likely.” She pulls me into a hug. “Congratulations, my daughter. This is wonderful news. So, so wonderful.”

“What is wonderful news?”

I startle at the sound of Memnon’s voice.

He stands at the threshold of the wagon, his eyes moving from me to his mother, then his sister. “And what is this about you groping my wife?”

I’m still too shocked to groan.

“My son,” Tamara begins.

I cut her off. “I’m pregnant.”

His eyes widen, and I think it’s his surprise I now sense coursing through me.

The beginnings of a smile pull at his lips, and his eyes take on a sheen. “Truly?” he breathes. He glances down at my stomach.

“I mean, I think so, yes.” I nod, my smile growing.

A surprised laugh bubbles out of him. “You’re serious?”

I bite the inside of my cheek.

“Your mother believes that’s why I’ve been sick. And why she was fondling me.”