Iris held up her hands quickly. "In my defense, I did it in the name of sisterly duty."
"And maternal sanity," Jasmine added. "A happy pregnant Queen is safer for everyone."
Maravelle closed her eyes and let out a long, patient sigh.
Jasmine laughed and dropped onto a cushion beside Lara. "Relax, Mother. One slice won't doom the realm."
"Or the heir," Iris added lightly.
Lara's eyes shone as she accepted the bundle.
Maravelle pointed a warning finger. "One slice. But only after you finish your soup."
Lara nodded far too quickly. "Of course. Absolutely."
Iris took a slow sip from her goblet.
"You've been looking rather radiant a lot lately, mother. Let me guess… too many late-night strategy meetings with Alaric?"
Lara nearly choked on her drink. Jasmine coughed into her napkin.
Maravelle didn't flinch. "Careful child. Playful tongue or not, I can still have you scrubbing the courtyard stones before dawn."
