For a long time, Gerel had lived like a walking shadow. Grief over Jochi, her first love, drained the color and sound from her world.

She spent her days as Entya’s companion in a daze, often slipping into long silences while staring at nothing. The small tasks she performed, such as sorting fabrics, steeping tea, or smoothing the creases in Entya’s dresses, were the only things keeping her tethered to reality.

Deep down, she knew Talrakia was her only out. Staying in her late husband’s village as a young widow would have been unbearable. There, every corner was a bitter memory, and every neighbor’s face was a mirror of pity. Within these massive stone walls, she had a purpose. She had Entya.

Slowly, that fog of grief began to lift. Gerel started noticing things again, specifically how well her friend was handling palace life. Gerel still remembered the horror of Salkha, the attack on their village, and the lives lost. She thought of Entya, her innocent friend, being traded into a political marriage with a foreign king. She had braced herself for the worst, fearing Entya would be imprisoned, suffering, or losing her spirit. But the reality was the complete opposite.

Nashr, the King... he was gentle with Entya. Gerel remained cautious, even skeptical. It felt too good to be true for a man that powerful to be that gentle. But regardless of her doubts, Entya’s safety was her priority, and she would do whatever it took to ensure it.

That morning, the palace greenhouse felt like a miniature tropical forest. Entya was busy harvesting herbs. The sharp scents of rosemary, basil, and mint mingled with the sweet fragrance of blooming white flowers. Her larimar eyes sparked with life as her nimble hands plucked the green leaves. She was carefully selecting sprigs of rosemary, intending to ask the palace cooks to prepare Gerel’s favorite meal.

Watching from a stone bench, Gerel let out a soft laugh. Sometimes she felt that because Entya’s body had never fully matured, leaving her looking like a child to everyone back home, her personality had frozen in time as well. She is a bit childish and often so innocent. Yet, beneath that surface, Gerel saw incredible strength and resilience.

"Entya," Gerel called softly.

Entya turned with a questioning look, tilting her head. "Yes, Gerel? Oh, do you want to try these berries? They’re incredibly sweet!" She held out a handful of red berries.

Gerel smiled and took them. "I was just wondering how do you actually feel about being here? In the palace?"

Entya paused, her eyes searching Gerel’s for the true intent behind the question. "I don't know, Gerel," she admitted quietly. "I know this isn't home. It isn't Salkha." There was a faint longing in her voice for a past that could never be returned to.

"But," Entya continued, her eyes brightening, "I have a purpose here. I’m not just the helpless little girl anymore. I am capable. I am growing." She looked around the lush greenery she had brought to life, pride shimmering in her smile. "I can do things now. I can help people."

Gerel nodded. "You were always powerful, Entya. You just didn't know it."

Entya looked down, playing with a basil leaf. "Besides," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "even if I’d stayed, Yul probably wouldn't have loved me back. He wasn't exactly going to drop everything to marry me, especially looking like this." She let out a bitter laugh. "It was impossible, wasn't it? Yul couldn't even admit he loved me. I was never enough for him."

The sadness was palpable for a second, but Entya shook it off, bouncing back to her usual self. "But here, I’m useful! I’m learning so much. I even have a spirit deer, Gerel! A literal spirit deer!"

Gerel stroked Entya’s charcoal hair, tucking a loose strand back into its braid. "I understand, En. I’m just glad you’ve found something for yourself. I’m glad you’re thriving." She looked around at the beauty Entya had created. "Let’s just see what the future holds." Gerel gave a small smile, one filled with both hope and worry. "I just hope King Nashr doesn't have any hidden motives."

Entya nodded, resting her head on Gerel’s shoulder. She knew she wasn't alone. She had Gerel, and for now, that was enough.

Later that morning, as sunlight flooded Entya’s room, the vibe shifted instantly. They had just finished breakfast when Gerel suddenly clutched her stomach, her face draining of color. Without warning, she rushed to the corner of the room and threw up.

Entya jumped up, overcome with worry. "Gerel, are you okay? What’s happening?"

Gerel wiped her lips, breathless. A faint smile, which was a mix of embarrassment and joy, crossed her face. "Entya, I think I’m pregnant."

There was a moment of silence as Entya processed the news. Pregnant. Jochi’s child. Shock gave way to pure joy as tears welled in her eyes. She hugged Gerel tightly.

"Gerel, this is incredible!" Entya whispered, her voice trembling. "I will protect you. I will love your child. They will have the best aunt in the world!"

A moment later, Nashr entered, followed by a maid carrying a tray of herbal tea and fresh fruit. He stopped, seeing the two of them in a tearful embrace and noticing Gerel’s pale face. "What happened?" he asked, his brow furrowing.

Entya pulled back and looked at him. "Nashr," she said with a new sense of urgency. "Gerel is pregnant. She’s going to have Jochi’s baby."

Nashr raised an eyebrow in surprise, which was quickly replaced by a subtle smile. "That is wonderful news."

"Nashr..." Entya whispered, stepping toward him with a pleading look. "I know I haven’t been able to give much to Talrakia yet, but can you protect Gerel? I beg you, please protect her and this baby. She is my family, she’s all I have left."

Nashr looked at Entya, his amethyst eyes catching every emotion she felt. He saw her loyalty, her love, and her vulnerability. This wasn't just a favor. It was her way of letting him into her world.

"I’ll have the court physician check on her regularly," Nashr said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "What else does a pregnant woman need?"

"Your Majesty, that is already more than enough for me," Gerel replied, her voice trembling slightly, overwhelmed by the King’s sudden concern.

Without hesitation, he said, "You will be protected. Like everything that belongs to Talrakia, and especially like everything Entya cares about."

A sense of relief flooded Entya’s heart. Amidst the uncertainty of her own fate, Nashr’s promise gave her a glimmer of hope. She knew that, at least for now, the people she loved would be safe under the protection of the Desert King.