The golden sun cast radiant beams through the high arched windows, spilling golden rays across the delicate face of a young woman who lay motionless upon the silken bed.
"When will she wake up, Doctor?" came Dimitri's voice....cold, distant, and as unreadable as ever.
Oh please... what's with the concerned questions like you actually care, Mellisa thought bitterly, though she remained perfectly still, feigning unconsciousness. You're all hoping I don't wake up anyway.
"Yes, Doctor... how is Her Majesty, the Empress, faring?" the Empress Dowager asked next, her voice laced with performative worry, a practiced frown tugging at her painted lips.
You wouldn't even allow my family to enter my chambers, Mellisa continued silently, rage simmering beneath her calm façade. Because deep down, you hope I die... or worse.... you're planning to kill me yourselves.
Beneath the velvet blanket, her fingers curled tightly into a fist.
