Morning sunlight spilled through the palace windows. Selene stirred, surprised by how rested she felt. For the first time in what seemed forever, her body felt balanced. There was no lingering ache from shifting, no unfamiliar surge threatening to break free beneath her skin.
She lay still for a moment, savoring it. Then instinct drew her gaze to the small crib beside the bed. Camille was asleep, wrapped snugly beneath a peach blanket. One tiny hand had escaped its folds, fingers curled into a loose fist while her tiny chest rose and fell with peaceful, even breaths.
Smiling, Selene brushed a thumb across Camille's cheek.
"Still asleep?"
Camille only sighed in her sleep.
Selene glanced at Orion's empty side of the bed and smiled.
"Duty calls," she murmured with a fond shake of her he
