When Perfikot awoke from her long slumber, the morning light of the Floating City was streaming through the crystal porthole and falling upon her bed.
She slowly opened her eyes, her eyelashes trembling slightly in the light, her pupils contracting in response to the long-awaited brightness.
Her throat was dry as if scorched by the desert's hot winds. She instinctively wanted to raise her arm, only to find it as heavy as if it had been filled with lead.
"My lady! You've finally awoken!" The maid's exclamation burst in her ears.
Perfikot wanted to speak, but only managed to produce a hoarse breath.
The maid hurriedly supported her shoulders, while the head maid, Beifa, handed a cup of warm honey water to the maid, who brought it to Perfikot's lips. The sweet liquid slid down her throat, allowing her voice to return.
"How long have I slept?" Her voice was weaker than she anticipated.
