I slowly brushed my hands against her cheeks, careful and light.
Her face stayed calm in sleep, with a steady breathing, her 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, my whispering alone felt loud in the sleeping room.
Then 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."
A smile crept across my face before I could stop it.
I recalled Maria's words.
Her voice replayed clearly, steady and serious.
The kingdom was ruled in name by a king and Queen.
But the true ruler was the supreme empress.
And the current Queen was Rebecca's mother.
