"Samira," Ashlynn said, once Isabell had helped the pregnant woman to make her way to the top of the dais. "What I'm about to ask you isn't fair, but it's your choice to make, and I will support you either way."
"Lady Ashlynn," Samira said awkwardly as she felt the weight of the hall's eyes falling on her once again. "You've already done so much for me. Whatever you need, you only have to ask…"
"No, not this time," Ashlynn interrupted, shaking her head at the young mother-to-be. "This time, if you need to tell me no, then you tell me no," she said sternly. "You don't owe me anything," she added gently, placing a hand on the young woman's shoulder. "Your first obligation is to the child you carry, not to me, so you need to do what's right for them."
