[ Aysel ]
THE NEXT MORNING
Warm morning sunlight crashes into my eyes, dragging me violently from sleep. I groan and lift a hand to shield my face just as the curtains are yanked apart, light flooding the room.
Ria and Poppy’s excited voices fill the air, their feet pattering against the floor with frantic urgency.
“My lady,” Poppy breathes, her voice trembling with joy as she leans over me. Her eyes shine brightly. “You have to wake up at once. The king requests your presence immediately.”
The words hit me like an unexpected blow.
I freeze, then bolt upright in bed, my heart slamming so hard it hurts. I stare at her, disbelief flooding my chest.
“Is this some kind of joke?” I ask, voice laced with expectancy. “Are you trying to prank me?”
“Why would we do that?” Ria laughs softly
