Jean's heart clenched with sympathy. "It belongs to both of you now, does it not? To you and the little one. No wonder it feels different."
Florence touched her belly again, her fingers tracing lightly as though soothing the child inside. "That is true. And yet… there are moments when I feel it is worth everything. When I feel the baby stir, when I sense a little flutter beneath my hand—it reminds me why I endure it."
Jean's eyes softened, her steps slowing just slightly to match the princess's pace. "Then you endure it with courage. I admire you deeply, Princess Florence. Few would speak so honestly of the hardship and still smile at the reward."
The princess chuckled lightly, leaning just a bit more against Jean's support. "Perhaps it is only because I am weary of silence. Most around me do not wish to hear of the aches, only of the glory of motherhood. But it helps to tell the truth sometimes."
