Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder by Alice Knightsky
Chapter 57 – Making a New Friend
**Rosalie’s POV**
A small jolt woke me from my sleep.
When I sat up, I quickly realized the boat was swaying from side to side, leaving the most uncomfortable feeling in my stomach.
I had known that I would most likely get seasickness, but I had hoped I would be one of the fortunate ones who didn’t.
“Uhh…” I groaned, walking towards the bathroom.
Splashing some water on my face, I tried to sweep away the grime of my previous adventures, hoping it would draw the sickness away from me. But even though it disappeared for a moment, as soon as I stepped back out into the room, it was back in full force.
I tried with all my might to remember things I had read in one of my many books to help get through this, but no matter what I did, it wouldn’t ease up.
Deciding on getting some fresh air, I tied my hair up into a ponytail and put on casual clothing, including a chunky knit sweater. Before I headed to the deck, I also put on my dark sunglasses to try to hide my appearance more. I knew that I was safe, but there was no harm in being extra discrete about it all.
The sun was slowly rising again, and I quickly realized that I had slept for a very long time. Being pregnant, I was usually tired a lot regardless, but the escape must have taken a lot out of me for me to shut down like that.
As a series of particularly big waves rocked the ship, I stumbled and almost lost my balance.
As I swayed and desperately try to regain my footing, the people around me stepped back. I could fully understand not wanting to be near a pregnant woman who was likely to vomit- but at the same time, it was a clear reminder that I was on my own now. Luckily, I was able to grab the nearby railing as I began dry heaving as the smell of sea air whipped me in the face.
“Are you okay, miss?” a soft voice called out from behind me. I felt warm hands on my arms and back, helping me regain my footing.
I turned around slowly, trying not to upset my stomach, and saw a middle-aged woman with jade green eyes and a soft smile. She looked very friendly. Maybe it was because of her smile, ,or maybe just because I was so dizzy- but I somehow almost mistook her for my long-dead mother.
“I am… sorry. I think I’m seasick…”
As much as I tried to maintain a smile upon my face, it was short lived. I was spinning around once more and started dry heaving. I couldn’t control tears streaming down my face due to the emotional rush.
“Oh, dear, that isn’t good.” She moved closer with a concerned look. “Here, let me help you sit down.”
After a few moments, I was finally able to speak with a weak voice. “Thank you so much…”
“You’re welcome! First time on a boat?”
I nodded. “Yes… and it doesn’t help that this child gives me nausea as well.”
Her eyes darted down to my stomach, and her mouth formed into an O. “That is wonderful. Congratulations on your coming arrival- but
Nodding my head, I looked at her with appreciation and took her hand.
We walked through the double doors of the cabin together, and she quickly found me a quiet spot.
“Lie down, my dear.” She took two pillows and propped one under my head and another under my feet. “I will be right back.”
I nodded again and closed my eyes. I took small, slow breaths trying to steady my racing heart and also prevent myself from dry heaving again.
It didn’t take long before she came back into view, holding a bag.
“I got you a few things to help. We have to get you calmed down so you can eat and feed that baby of yours,” she said as she laid the cool cloth upon my head. “Keep those eyes closed and focus on your breathing.”
“Thank you.” I took her advice and kept my eyes closed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take up so much of your time or be a burden.”
“Don’t worry about it, my dear. It’s not like we have tons to do on the boat, anyway. My life is about helping young mothers waiting on their unborn children. I am a midwife, after all.”
I opened my eyes and met her soft gaze. She reminded me of Estrella—considerate, kind hearted, and very patient with those under their care.
I had only been away from the Drogomor pack for a couple days, but it felt like centuries.
“It is still very kind of you to help me,” I said, inwardly thanking the Moon Goddess for bringing this wonderful woman to me. “You didn’t have to do any of that.” someone would help her the way I am for you.”
Smiling, she pulled out a green apple. “Try this. They’re good for seasickness. Something to do with the tsourness.”
I watched her slice the apple into small pieces.
“It’s an old wives tale that actually works. Here.”
I didn’t hesitate and took a piece from her. The tart and sweet taste was welcome upon my tongue. I chewed it a few times and swallowed it down.
“It’s quite refreshing. Wow, it helps a lot.” I pulled myself to sit up so I could carry on the conversation. “I’m Ro. It’s so nice to meet you.”
A chuckle left her lips as she handed me another piece. “My name is Seraphine.”
“Thank you so much for being so kind, Seraphine.”
She stared at me for a moment, her smile faltering slightly before nodding her head. “ 1 he real world can be quite troublesome at times. But it is us women that must stick together and take care of each other.”
We both giggled at her words.
Now that I felt better, I tried to stand back up so that I could return to my room. As soon as I did so, my head spun again.
“Goodness,” I breathed.
“Easy dear. The apple helps, but it will take a day or so for everything to settle completely.”
“So where are you from, Ro?”
“I…” Her sudden question caught me offguard. In a panic, I pretended to fumble as if my seasickness was back again. By the time I “regained” my balance, I came up with my answer. “I am from Mirage.”
She smiled, nodding her head. “The eastern capital. I’ve been there a few times. Have you ever seen King James?”
I paused and nodded my head. “Yes, I was fortunate enough to meet him once.”
Immediately, she seemed so uncomfortable. “Oh, I’m sorry…my lady!”
“No, no, no! I am nobody, really. I just meant that I’ve seen him from far away in the monthly royal market event. I was able to steal a glimpse from far away.”
The lie came quite naturally; however, my mind immediately went back to Ethan. That precious day he spent with me in the market brought a smile to my face.
It seemed that the longer I was away from him, the more sweet moments that we shared came back to my mind.
But then I would remember that I was on a boat far away from him and likely would not see him again in my lifetime. My smile vanished and my heart ached.
Luckily, Sarephine quickly accepted my explanation. Knowing I had limited knowledge about Mirage, I quickly changed the subject and asked, “How about you?”
“I am from Papeno, but I travel quite a bit. I was on the East mainland, and now I’m on my way back to Papeno. But before that, I will check in with my younger sister in Avondale.”
“She lives in Avondale?”
“Yes, she does.”
We had arrived back at the door of my room. I turned to her.
“You are a remarkable person,” I said with a smile. “I am not sure I would’ve been able to manage this on my own.”
“Oh, my dear. Never think you aren’t capable. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for- that I am sure of.”
She followed me into the room and helped to settle me back into bed. The soft comfort of the blankets upon my mattress was a most welcome feeling after all the swaying and dry heaving I had done earlier.
“This feels amazing,” I mumbled softly. “I should have just stayed here.”
Seraphine laughed, placing a few items on the bedside table. “Yes, but you still need fresh air once in a while. It’s all about the right balance.”
“I cannot say thank you enough, Seraphine.” I snuggled further into my blankets.
“Don’t worry,” Seraphine whispered. “I will be back later to check on you and bring you something to eat. Take a nap, if you can. Believe it or not, once you get used to them, the waves actually help with sleep.”
The door slowly closed before darkness took me.
I hoped that, this time, Ethan would not be in my dreams.