Coral stops dead in her tracks. Margaret loops her hand under her companion's arm, keeping her walking so that their guardian doesn't suspect anything.

"No, but—it can't—" she manages to stammer out.

"It has been a little over a month since we've arrived, Coral. It was only a few days after that, that you took your mate," her voice is quiet. "How long since you've bled?"

Shaking her head, Coral tries to think, only to realize that she hasn't since she arrived in Centuarna. When she feels the anxiety start to well up in her stomach she starts drawing in deep breaths.

"I am sure he will be happy," Margaret...