The maid's eyes are still wide with excitement when she leaves to prepare my bath. I sit on the edge of my bed, hands pressed against my belly. The room feels too small.
The sound of water being poured into the wooden tub breaks my thoughts. Steam fills the air, soft and fragrant with lavender. I stand and walk toward the bathroom slowly, my legs trembling with each step. The maid bows her head when I come in.
"Don't tell anyone," I say in a low tone.
She looks up quickly. "I swear, my lady, no one will hear of it. Not a soul."
"Good," I say. My voice sounds calm, though my chest is shaking. "From today onward, you'll serve only me. Whatever I need, you'll bring. Whatever you see, you'll keep to yourself."
Her face lights up. "Thank you, your highness. I won't fail you."
I nod and wave her off gently. "Go on. Prepare the bath, then you can leave."
