It was a quiet day at the Diamond Pony. Most of the courtesans lay abed after their nights of sin, while some woke to take care of their needs, such as more gowns or musical lessons, or what have you. The door to her office was open. Sonia lay on the fainting couch, her eyes closed as she rested, her hand settled on the round of her belly. She hadn't meant to fall asleep, but she had done so. Creating life was a tiresome thing, that was for certain.

It was the only open door there was at the moment, and it was right at the top of the double stairs leading down from the balcony of the great hall. A maid was the only person about besides her mistress in the vicinity, and she nodded to the newcomer.