Phoebe's POV
We embraced for what felt like forever before finally pulling apart, and then Marcela shared the news she'd been dreading to tell me.
"I know you won't want to hear this, but your body isn't strong enough for this pregnancy." She gripped my hands tightly. "Please, Phoebe. The king thrives when you're by his side—don't put yourself and him through this."
I pulled my hands away, refusing to listen.
My stubbornness was taking over.
But Marcela wouldn't back down. She'd examined me earlier and knew exactly what she was talking about. There was no room for denial anymore.
Every day we delayed made things more dangerous for me.
"Phoebe, forgive me for being blunt, but I examined you this morning." Marcela's head shook with regret. "This pregnancy will kill you. I'm so sorry. Your life is at stake." Then she delivered the cruelest blow yet. "You won't survive the delivery—hell, you won't even make it to full term. If you both die, what good does your sacrifice do?"
