I slowly brushed my hands with her cheeks, careful and light.
Her face stayed calm, breathing steady, lips barely moving.
I watched her for a moment and whispered under my breath, almost amused, "Looks like she is a heavy sleeper."
The words felt soft in the quiet room, as if even sound knew it should not travel too far.
After that, my eyes shifted toward the king, who lay just as still, his chest rising and falling without a care in the world.
I could not help myself.
The thought struck me all at once, sharp and clear, and I blurted, "No, both of them are heavy sleepers."
Then, an evil smile crept across my face before I could stop it.
As I stood there, my mind drifted back to what Maria told me.
Her voice replayed clearly, steady and serious.
The current Queen was Rebecca's mother.
Not a woman driven by love or loyalty, but one who only married for power.
Maria had said it plainly, without drama, as if stating a simple fact.
