After the dizzying whirlwind of the day, Argider found herself standing outside Elira's chambers in the eastern palace, one hand on the doorframe and the other cradling her stomach. She felt nauseous—not just physically but emotionally too. She rapped on the door lightly, feeling ridiculous for seeking out someone who had only recently been an adversary.
When Elira opened the door, her expression was a mix of confusion and mild amusement. "What on earth are you doing here at this hour? And... why do you look like you've just lost a battle?"
"I feel like I've lost several," Argider muttered, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. She wobbled slightly, and Elira instinctively grabbed her arm, guiding her to a nearby chaise.
"I'm starting to think you're addicted to dramatic entrances," Elira quipped, fetching a small vial from a nearby shelf. "Or maybe you're just bad at being pregnant."
