Sky looked down at her feet for a few seconds before locking eyes with Candy. She nodded. “You’re right.”

Candy could hear that she didn’t mean it. “Take a seat.”

They both sat, Sky in a wingback and Candy on the couch directly across from her.

“Don’t lecture me.” Sky pulled a face. “I’m still feeling a bit depressed but I think that’s normal, don’t you?”

Candy nodded. “Yeah, but it was your first try. You shouldn’t beat yourself up over it.”

Normally Sky would clam up and change the subject. Candy was shocked when she continued. “It’s so rare for a she-dragon not to become pregnant.” She dragged her lower lip between her teeth, her eyes wide. “What if I can’t actually get pregnant? I’m so worried.” She huffed out a hard breath. Although her eyes filled with tears, she didn’t cry.

At least her friend had finally voiced her fears. Ever since finding out that she wasn’t pregnant over two months ago, she’d bottled up her feelings and pretended to be fine even though Candy could tell that she wasn’t. She didn’t mope around all day, but there were subtle signs. Moments when she dropped her walls for a second or two. Candy kept her mouth shut, hoping that Sky would open up a bit more.

She handed the other woman her glass and Sky nodded in thanks before taking a sip. “What if I don’t go into heat again? I might not, you know?” She pursed her lips and put her glass back down.

“It won’t help to worry about it. You told me that you come into heat once or twice a year like clockwork. It hasn’t been long since… you know.” Sky nodded, but Candy could see that she wasn’t convinced. “It’s going to happen. You need to try and be positive and keep practicing hard in the meanwhile.”

She gave Candy a demure smile. “Lake can’t keep his claws off me.”

“There you go, he loves you.”

“I know but it makes me feel so guilty.” She sucked in a breath. Her face turned red and she quickly locked eyes with Candy. “What about you? Still nothing? I feel awful for not asking sooner.”

Candy felt a knot twist inside of her. She shook her head. “Nope. Nothing.” She hadn’t ovulated since arriving on dragon soil almost three months ago. “I’m staying positive. See.” She forced a bright smile. “It’s not like I’m here with the main purpose of continuing the water dragon royal bloodline or anything.”

Sky pulled a face. “That’s not the only reason you’re here. Silly! Torrent is loopy about you. He can’t focus on anything else for longer than ten seconds if you’re in the room.”