**Rosalie’s POV
A small jolt woke from my sleep.
When I sat up, I quickly realized the boat was swaying from side to side, leaving the most uncomfortable feeling in my stomach.
I had known that I would most likely get seasickness, but I had hoped I would be one of the fortunate ones who didn’t.
“Uhh...” I groaned, walking towards the bathroom.
Splashing so water on my face, I tried to sweep away the gri of my previous adventures, hoping it would draw the sickness away from . But even though it disappeared for a mont, as soon as I stepped back out into the room, it was back in full force.
I tried with all my might to rember things I had read in one of my many books to help get through this, but no matter what I did, it wouldn’t ease up.
Deciding on getting so fresh air, I tied my hair up into a ponytail and put on casual clothing, including a chunky knit sweater.
Before I headed to the deck, I also put on my dark sunglasses to try to hide my appearance more. I knew that I was safe, but there was no harm in being extra discrete about it all.
The sun was slowly rising again, and I quickly realized that I had slept for a very long ti. Being pregnant, I was usually tired a lot regardless, but the escape must have taken a lot out of for to shut down like that.
As a series of particularly big waves rocked the ship, I stumbled and almost lost my balance.
As I swayed and desperately try to regain my footing, the people around stepped back. I could fully understand not wanting to be near a pregnant woman who was likely to vomit– but at the sa ti, it was a clear reminder that I was on my own now.
Luckily, I was able to grab the nearby railing as I began dry heaving as the sll of sea air whipped in the face.
“Are you okay, miss?” a soft voice called out from behind . I felt warm hands on my arms and back, helping regain my footing.
I turned around slowly, trying not to upset my stomach, and saw a middle-aged woman with jade green eyes and a soft smile. She looked very friendly. Maybe it was because of her smile, ,or maybe just because I was so dizzy– but I sohow almost mistook her for my long-dead mother.
“I am... sorry. I think I’m seasick...”
As much as I tried to maintain a smile upon my face, it was short lived. I was spinning around once more and started dry heaving. I couldn’t control tears streaming down my face due to the emotional rush.
“Oh, dear, that isn’t good.” She moved closer with a concerned look. “Here, let help you sit down.”
After a few monts, I was finally able to speak with a weak voice. “Thank you so much...”
“You’re welco! First ti on a boat?”
I nodded. “Yes... and it doesn’t help that this child gives nausea as well.”
Her eyes darted down to my stomach, and her mouth ford into an O. “That is wonderful. Congratulations on your coming arrival– but if that’s the case, it’s probably not the best to stay on the windy deck. Let help you get inside.”
Nodding my head, I looked at her with appreciation and took her hand.
We walked through the double doors of the cabin together, and she quickly found a quiet spot.
“Lie down, my dear.” She took two pillows and propped one under my head and another under my feet. “I will be right back.”
I nodded again and closed my eyes. I took small, slow breaths trying to steady my racing heart and also prevent myself from dry heaving again.
It didn’t take long before she ca back into view, holding a bag.
“I got you a few things to help. We have to get you cald down so you can eat and feed that baby of yours,” she said as she laid the cool cloth upon my head. “Keep those eyes closed and focus on your breathing.”
“Thank you.” I took her advice and kept my eyes closed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t an to take up so much of your ti or be a burden.”
“Don’t worry about it, my dear. It’s not like we have tons to do on the boat, anyway. My life is about helping young mothers waiting on their unborn children. I am a midwife, after all.”
I opened my eyes and t her soft gaze. She reminded of Estrella—considerate, kind hearted, and very patient with those under their care.
I had only been away from the Drogomor pack for a couple days, but it felt like centuries.
“It is still very kind of you to help ,” I said, inwardly thanking the Moon Goddess for bringing this wonderful woman to . “You didn’t have to do any of that.”
“Think nothing more of it. You are the sa age as my younger sister. She is also with child, and I hope that, if she were in your situation, soone would help her the way I am for you.”
Smiling, she pulled out a green apple. “Try this. They’re good for seasickness. Sothing to do with the tsourness.”
I watched her slice the apple into small pieces.
“It ‘s an old wives tale that actually works. Here.”
I didn’t hesitate and took a piece from her. The tart and sweet taste was welco upon my tongue. I chewed it a few tis and swallowed it down.
“It’s quite refreshing. Wow, it helps a lot.” I pulled myself to sit up so I could carry on the conversation. “I’m Ro. It’s so nice to et you.”
A chuckle left her lips as she handed another piece. “My na is Seraphine.”
“Thank you so much for being so kind, Seraphine.”
She stared at for a mont, her smile faltering slightly before nodding her head. “The real world can be quite troubleso at tis. But it is us won that must stick together and take care of each other.”
We both giggled at her words.
Now that I felt better, I tried to stand back up so that I could return to my room. As soon as I did so, my head spun again.
“Goodness,” I breathed.
“Easy dear. The apple helps, but it will take a day or so for everything to settle completely.”
She helped to my feet. The good news was that the swaying motion was not as bad as it was earlier.
“So where are you from, Ro?”
“I...” Her sudden question caught off guard. In a panic, I pretended to fumble as if my seasickness was back again.
By the ti I “regained” my balance, I ca up with my answer. “I am from Mirage.”
She smiled, nodding her head. “The eastern capital. I’ve been there a few tis. Have you ever seen King Jas?”
I paused and nodded my head. “Yes, I was fortunate enough to et him once.”
Imdiately, she seed so uncomfortable.“Oh, I’m sorry...my lady!”
“No, no, no! I am nobody, really. I just ant that I’ve seen him from far away in the monthly royal market event. I was able to steal a glimpse from far away.”
The lie ca quite naturally; however, my mind imdiately went back to Ethan. That precious day he spent with in the market brought a smile to my face.
It seed that the longer I was away from him, the more sweet monts that we shared ca back to my mind.
But then I would rember that I was on a boat far away from him and likely would not see him again in my lifeti. My smile vanished and my heart ached.
Luckily, Sarephine quickly accepted my explanation.
Knowing I had limited knowledge about Mirage, I quickly changed the subject and asked, “How about you?”
“I am from Papeno, but I travel quite a bit. I was on the East mainland, and now I’m on my way back to Papeno. But before that, I will check in with my younger sister in Avondale.”
“She lives in Avondale?”
“Yes, she does.”
We had arrived back at the door of my room. I turned to her.
“You are a remarkable person,” I said with a smile. "I am not sure I would’ve been able to manage this on my own.”
“Oh, my dear. Never think you aren’t capable. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for– that I am sure of.”
She followed into the room and helped to settle back into bed. The soft comfort of the blankets upon my mattress was a most welco feeling after all the swaying and dry heaving I had done earlier.
“This feels amazing,” I mumbled softly. “I should have just stayed here.”
Seraphine laughed, placing a few items on the bedside table. “Yes, but you still need fresh air once in a while. It’s all about the right balance.”
“I cannot say thank you enough, Seraphine.” I snuggled further into my blankets.
“Don’t worry,” Seraphine whispered. “I will be back later to check on you and bring you sothing to eat. Take a nap, if you can. Believe it or not, once you get used to them, the waves actually help with sleep.”
The door slowly closed before darkness took .
I hoped that, this ti, Ethan would not be in my dreams.
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