The sound of the cock's crowing and the chirping of the birds, marked the beginning of a new day. 

Adriana stirred on the bed but her eyes were wide open and heavy. She had barely slept through the night. 

She had tried to find sleep but it hadn't been forthcoming and it worsened when she heard footsteps striding in the hallway behind the hidden door and the sound of a door being opened and closed. 

She had known it was the King's and he was settling for the night. But what made her situation worse, was the heat that came from the thought of him being nearby. 

She had heard...