Chapter 50: What She Carries

“The food is good.” He reassured with a lopsided grin.

She beamed. “Except for the chicken. It’s slightly overcooked, I think.”

Nothing wrong with the chicken. He eyed it.

“It’s plush, moist and just whitened.” He praised the meat.

“Just it.” She pointed out. “It tastes better when it’s more pink, does it not? When still seeping fresher juices?”

“You mean blood.” He stated blandly.

“Well,” She shrugged. Leaning across the table. “It does taste better that way, doesn’t it?”

“Most would say not.”

“What would you say?”

“I’d say you’re beautiful and you hold my heart in your hand.” He settled his chair more fully on four legs to lean across the table and give her a long look. “So if you want your meat more raw, I’ll assure it’s cooked that way. On one condition.” He lifted his finger.

“What?” Her brows lowered as she gave him her undivided attention.

“You can ensure me that, that’s what is good for you,” His eyes wandered to her abdomen and back up to her face. “Just now.”

“What are you talking about?” She pushed herself back from the table. Humor making her eyes brighten. “I’ve a cast iron stomach.” She slapped her belly. Making him jerk toward her so hard he nearly toppled his chair, before catching himself. “Do you not know that already?”

“I know you’ll one day cause me heart failure!” He grumbled. Leaning over the table panting slightly.

How could she have no idea? She can’t possibly!

She gestured dismissively and returned to her meal.

Bast watched her warily. If she doesn’t yet know, there’s going to be hell to pay whne she puts it together. He gnawed a cheek slightly.

He could see the slight difference in her. The attractively rounded curve behind her belly button. He caught the slightly different smell of enhanced hormones coursing through her. She was more energetic.

“You seem in good spirits today?” He asked.

“It’s because I was ill the last few weeks.”

“While I was at sea?” He swallowed a lump so rough it felt like a rock.

“Yes.” She plucked apart a bit of bread. Sticking huge chunks in her mouth and zealously chewing in her cheeks. “Elengard brought me a chamber pot so I could use it to vomit when I needed.”

“It was strange though…” She looked up. Eyes distant as she mulled something over.

“What? What was strange?” He tried to prevent his curiosity from tainting his voice.

“Normally when I’m ill my body takes over and I’ll mostly change into the Valkyrie.”

“Even since I’ve had you bound?” He worried his lip.

What would happen to the tiny thing she carries if she changes? If her insides alter could it cause harm? These were questions he’d never had to wonder before.

“Yes. Parts of me still change to defend my body.”

“Okay…”

“I fear the change must be growing harder on me because it didn’t change. When I tried I couldn’t. Very odd.”

Her body is protecting what she doesn’t know exists. That made his blow a relieved breath.