The Imperial Library
Daphne sat by a tall oak desk, flipping through another ancient volume, one from the forbidden section.
The diseases detailed were long forgotten, some eradicated by time itself.
The door creaked softly behind her.
"I should've known I'd find you here," came Katherine's familiar voice, laced with amusement. "You do realize you're seven months gone, don't you?"
Daphne didn't look up right away, only smirking faintly. "Pregnancy, not paralysis, Katherine."
Her friend stepped closer, elegant as always in a soft blue gown. "You'll wear yourself out before that baby arrives."
"That's what everyone keeps saying," Daphne murmured, turning another page. "But I need to stop the plague."
Katherine sighed.
She turned to one of the maids at the door. "Bring in a fruit plate for the Princess."
"Katherine..." Daphne began.
"No arguments," the Empress said firmly with a teasing glint in her eyes.
