Free Unbound (The Griever's Mark series Book 3) by Katherine Hurley Page B

being Stricken cannot change. At least, Logan says that must have been the man’s fate.
    The Earthmaker backs out of my space and looks me over. “You are Astarti, the king’s daughter. You saved our ship. I did not thank you.”
    “Logan brought us in, not me.”
    “He is your lover?”
    Heat blooms in my face at the blunt words.
    The Earthmaker makes no note of my discomfort, only says bitterly, “Let us hope that some things, at least, have changed in that Council room.”
    “Is that why you were...?”
    “Stricken,” he says sharply. “You can say it, girl; it’s just a word.”
    He seems very alone, and I can’t help wondering what became of the one for whom he gave up so much. The question must be written on my face because the Earthmaker’s eyes soften a little, and he says, “I gave her all I could, but long life was not in my power.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    His lips thin. “Your man. What is he? I’m told he’s the Prima’s son, but he looks nothing like I remember Arathos. Oh, don’t look so angry. I don’t care if he’s a bastard. I’m only curious. Those creatures—he moves like them.”
    “Creatures? Did you abandon your gods along with your people?”
    Anger flashes through his eyes. “I abandoned nothing.”
    Benches scrape inside the throne room. Voices mix, growing conversational, and footsteps ring across the marble floor.
    The Earthmaker edges away even as I do. “Good day to you, Astarti.”
    I grit my teeth as he turns away. He knows my name, but I didn’t ask his. I don’t like feeling at a disadvantage. But the Earthmaker disappears around a corner, so I head on my own way.
    My heart sinks when I peer into the infirmary. Feluvas hovers over a worktable, sniffing one steaming bowl, then another. She adds a pinch of gray powder to one, a few drops of something to the other. Korinna and Gaiana sit on one of beds lining the wall, speaking with a heavily pregnant woman. Gaiana hands the woman a packet and offers instruction on the dosage of the herbs within.
    Renald isn’t here. I start to edge away.
    “Astarti,” Gaiana calls and beckons me inside.
    Caught, I force a smile.
    Gaiana and Korinna help the woman to her feet and lead her to the door. We all watch the poor woman waddle down the hall.
    Gaiana comments, “As if bearing a child isn’t stressful enough, she must do it during this awful time. She is not the only one. Life was in the middle of happening for us all.”
    I make a sound of agreement.
    Gaiana adds in a low voice, “It’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. Korinna? If you would help Feluvas?”
    I shift uncomfortably as Korinna hurries away. Gaiana motions me into the room. The only escape would be through horrible rudeness, and I can’t quite make myself do it. Gaiana has been kind to me from the beginning.
    She sits on one of the beds. I perch stiffly on the edge of the one across from her. Our knees almost touch. Mine are enclosed in tight woolen breeches, hers draped with a filmy robe.
    She gets right to it. “Astarti, have you been taking precautions?”
    “Precautions?”
    “To see that you don’t become pregnant.”
    My cheeks flame.
    “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, child. But you should be wise. This is a dangerous time.”
    “I, um...I don’t have regular courses. I haven’t had one for months.” Not since the time I spent in Belos’s dungeon before I even met Logan, long before we lay together. My palms break out with sweat. I have never discussed this sort of thing with anyone, and she is Logan’s mother, of all people.
    A line wedges between her brows. “That happens sometimes. Stress, malnourishment, many things. I can give you something for it.”
    My face is absolutely on fire. “No, it’s fine. Honestly, it’s a blessing right now.”
    She nods understanding but says, “All the same, that is very hard on your body. You may want children someday, and you must take care of yourself.”
    I give a