Daphne jolted awake, her breathing uneven.
For a moment, she lay still, trying to grasp the lingering dream that had pulled her awake but the feeling didn't fade.
It wasn't a dream. It was something else.
Her heart raced.
Something was wrong.
She pushed herself up, clutching the sheets as a sharp, inexplicable ache bloomed through her body.
She needed to rest but she couldn't.
"Your Highness?" Kira's voice was gentle but alarmed as she stepped closer, setting aside the folded linens she'd been arranging. "Are you all right?"
Daphne's hand went to her heart. "Something's happened or will happen."
Alice, who had been rocking the baby's cradle, froze mid-motion. "What do you mean?"
"I can feel him," Daphne whispered. "Alaric."
The two knights exchanged a glance.
Kira approached carefully. "Your Highness, the general is safe. The Emperor received word, the battle was won. He and the Skyblade Knights are still encamped outside the capital. You mustn't..."
