*** Elora ***

"Let me prove it," Sedriresa whispers.

"No," I say.

"Shh, you need a break," Sedriresa whispers. "Come to bed. You're getting big. Come on, let me help you and prove I love you. You're falling apart right now. Elora. Please, come."

"I'm not. But, Alzi," I say. Am I overthinking everything? I don't get it.

"Up and over to the bed, Elora," Sedriresa commands. "I'll be gentle."

I let her direct me over to the bed. Her practiced hands were already working my dress free. By the time she's got me lying down in my bed, I'm completely naked. Sedriresa's own uniform is slipping down her body as she stands off to the side with a small smile. The rightful source is novel✦fire.net

"Elora," Sedriresa says. "Try to relax. Calm your mind. Alzi has given us a chance, and fretting about the past does nothing. Accept that it happened. That you wronged her. That doesn't make you worthless now. It means we have to work hard to make a connection with her. That is all. Your body is beautiful."

Beautiful? Is it? No, I'm not that sad. My body has always been impressive. Before, it was my strength, and now, building a child, it may not be the Goddess I wished it was, but still a full child. A potential princess. Maybe someone who will love me.

"Good, you didn't disagree to that," Sedriresa says, crawling into the bed with me. "You know Alzi loves your body. But we need more. You both deserve a stronger bond. One that lets you be here, loyal queen."

"I can't," I say.

"Can't what? Have love? Elora, you feel my hand, right?"

"Yes," I say. She gently floats over my stomach, tickling up to my breasts. Her thumb and pointer playfully mess with my nipples. My body is heating up.

"I love you," Sedriresa says. "I love this body. Your mind. Everything. I saw everything you've been through, and it's broken my heart seeing all the work you've gone through. We'll work on you opening up. Just tell me how this makes you feel."

How do I feel? "Warm," I say. "I feel warm."

"Good," Sedriresa says, sliding down the bed. "Let the feelings bubble up. Don't hold back."

How is this proving her love? Did she just trick me into this?

"What?" I gasp. She parts my legs, her hands teasing the insides of my thighs now. Her tongue softly teasing my slit. My breath catches as her tongue dips in. "Why?"

"Shh, those are feelings. This is part of my love."

"It feels good," I say. "I don't deserve this."

Sedriresa jumps to my side and wraps me up as the tears start to fall. My head cradled in her bosom.

"Elora, please, let it out. Let it all out to the maid who loves you. I'm here with you. I love you. Can you accept that? Can you accept my love?"

"I'll try," I say.

"Do you believe I love you?"

"Yes," I say. "I know that."

"Then we can work from that," Sedriresa says. "We can move forward from that. Just let the stress out. We'll build up from here."

Build from what? It would be safer to build a mansion on a beach.

"You still don't believe," Sedriresa says. "It's buried deep. But there is a base to grow from. I promise."