*Mark*

The sound of feet marching around outside the door is making me restless. My groggy head and dry mouth aren’t making it any easier to relax. I get up and walk to the door. I need to find out what the ruckus is all about.

“Do you think the palace has been invaded?” Rose asks as she clutches her belly protectively.

I stride back to her and lift her chin with my palm and smile as I gaze into her eyes. Looking into her eyes is like getting lost in a cave full of fireflies on the night of a full moon. Beautiful.

“If we were under attack, I’m...