It became commonplace. Whenever a messenger appeared at her door, adorned in servant’s clothes and displaying the crest of the crown on their chest, it was Helena’s services that they sought. For some time now Helena lived at the Palace of Vasiliádon, tasked with caring for the pregnant queen, Queen Olympia of Mikaelidas, answering to her beck and call.
There were still months yet before the queen was due to give birth, but with each passing day, Queen Olympia’s stomach grew increasingly more swollen, heavy, and round. It was up to Helena to ensure that both she and the future heir of Mikaelidas remained in good health. Of course, the king would have her head, but Helena could never forgive herself if anything ever to happened to either Queen Olympia or her unborn child.
Regularly scheduled check-ups were mandatory and occurred frequently, but today she would be assigned with a role of a different nature. Truth be told, Helena formed an unexpected kinship with the queen, their relationship developing beyond what was normally expected of a queen and her physician. They enjoyed each other’s company as friends. In private moments they could share a smile and a laugh, their woes and sorrows, their secrets and desires. Queen Olympia fulfilled Helena’s innate need for female companionship, something she sorely missed after her departure from the Temple of Aphrodite.
Since meeting Queen Olympia, her days seemed much less lonely. She could only hope she provided the same companionship for the queen.
By the time the servant arrived, Helena was dressed and ready for their impending temple visit, and they no sooner made their way to the royal quarters. The servant confirmed their identities with the stoney-faced guardsmen who stood at Queen Olympia’s doorway and it was only then that they allowed them to pass. As they crossed the threshold of the queen’s bedroom, the servant, a short, mousey fellow, announced their entry with a bellow, “Upon the request of Her Majesty Queen Olympia of Mikaelidas, Miss Helena of Maliania is here to accompany Her Majesty on her travels.” It was all formalities.
“My Queen,” Helena said, tone filled with mirth as she strode into the room, “Helena of Maliania is here to accompany Her Majesty on her travels! How lucky her physician is to be granted such a privilege on this very day.”
One of her newer young maids was assisting her as she dressed for the day, the young girl was chatty and carried on even with minimal response from the queen. It didn't bother her, the sound filled the otherwise silent room with a cheerfulness that lightened the mood around them. The coronation was in a few days and she was alternately elated and terrified at the thought of ascending to the crown at Stephanos' side. Ever since their time in the forest he had been attentive and kind, as much as he had been since their marriage.
The chiton she'd chosen was a loose one of a silvery grey with a soft white veil pinned in her black curls. She'd dressed in a manner that was both simple and befitting a queen for her trip to the temple of Hera. Her neck was draped with a strand of deep blue gems and a matching wrap around her upper right arm, sandals were loosely strapped to her feet and her hair tumbled down her back with only the front pinned back out of her face. She had a set of offerings on the bed with gold and and flowers, pots of honey and a basket of pomegranates to bestow on the alter.
Olympia turned with a smile as Helena was announced and then announced herself, shaking her head and waving the young maid off as she stepped forward to embrace her friend. When she had first begun seeing the midwife after the first suspicion she was with child she hadn't anticipated the woman becoming one of her closest friends, but having Helena as her only confidante in regards to such a huge secret had cemented their relationship for good. Now she didn't know what she would ever do without the former priestess who cared for her and the baby so well.
"Helena, thank you for coming. Do you mind walking with me to the temple of Hera? I wanted to leave some offerings before the coronation."
Upon entering the room, Helena was quickly swept into Olympia’s embrace, one which she returned with equal fondness and affection. She was careful to avoid the sweet protrusion of Olympia’s stomach, wary of the infant who occupied her womb. Of course, it would take much more than a simple hug to harm the unborn. Olympia’s body was perfectly suited to protect the infant against external injuries and internal contaminants alike, successfully guarding the king’s heir against all evil agents, but Helena preferred to tend to the comfortability of both mother and child.
She pulled away with a smile, “I hope all has been well, my lady. And the same to you, little one.” Helena laid a gentle hand on a stomach clothed in silver; the baby knew who of her identity and could recognize the sound of her voice. She was certain of it. On occasion, she spoke to the little heir and should he or she choose to respond to her delicate coos and loving murmurs, they took audience with her by way of a kick. However, Olympia’s stomach remained dormant and unmoving, and Helena removed her touch with some degree of disappointment.
“Of course, my lady. It is good practice to leave offerings before Hera as we near accouchement.” Helena nodded in approval. She knew of expectant mothers who visited the temple almost daily in attempts to ensure a successful birthing.
There was a brief moment of shuffling about as their party assembled, present company including not only herself and Olympia, but her guardsmen and a young, spirited maid. They no sooner departed from the palace, Olympia’s guards placed before and behind the pair as they walked and chatted. The young maid trailed behind them cheerfully, far enough that she was just out of earshot of their conversation but near enough to be called upon to tend to Olympia’s needs.
“I’m glad we finally have this chance to speak alone. Things certainly have been eventful these days.” As they marched on at a steady pace, commoners turned to gaze at Olympia with wide eyes. Helena offered a sympathetic smile, “How are you faring? The coronation only grows nearer every day.”
Without Helena’s careful guidance and care, Pia wasn’t sure how she would have been able to manage this pregnancy. In the early days of her sickness especially, she had been terrified of the thought of being a mother, carrying a child that she didn’t know would survive, if it would be accepted and loved by its father, or if she would be forced to marry a distant lord who might always resent it for who it was. It had been Helena’s calm and kind words that kept her stable and guided her through the first few months, and after the horrors of the Circus, it had been the other woman’s touch and reassurance that had allowed her to sleep peacefully knowing the baby within was still alive and well.
“We are well indeed, he seems to recognize voices now, and moves most when Stephanos is near. It is sweet indeed, if inconvenient at certain times.”
Pia blushed slightly at the thought of how frequently she and Stephanos partook in one another. Her own lusts felt as if they had been set afire and there had even been nights he had not called her that she had been bold enough to visit him of her own accord. As they walked, she linked her arm in Helena’s and told her the tales in a hushed and giggling whisper. It seemed strange they had only known each other for a few months, aside from Selene and Desma there was no one Pia found she could confide in and trust so well as the former priestess.
As they stepped through the streets her guards fanned out, making sure that the queen to be was protected but could be seen. The common folk on the street when they realized who was walking among them instead of riding seemed thrilled for the most part, waving and bowing as they passed. For her part she smiled and returned waves just as easily, one hand always resting on the swell of her stomach as if showing proof to the people that their kingdom would continue, the dynasty was secure and the horrors of the past were over. Helena’s question though caused her smile to falter slightly and as they reached the temple Pia sighed.
“I’m nervous, of course. I think everyone is. It’s the first large gathering since...well. We’re taking extra precautions. Stephanos is nervous too I think. He believes there is someone working against us from the inside. His uncle.” That last confession was spoken in a near whisper before she released Helena’s arm to relieve the maid of the offerings she had brought to lay in the temple. Walking the length of it and nodding in reply to the priestesses greetings, she knelt before the altar and laid out her offerings, gesturing for Helena to join her. “I do not know what to think. I want to believe my husband, especially if he fears someone will hurt us I believe it is better safe than sorry.”