Maximilian changed and had breakfast before returning to the bedroom.
He had already taken his medication, just as Catherine had insisted he do. If he forgot, she would worry. She always worried about the smallest things when it came to him, and after everything they had been through, he had no intention of giving her another reason to wake up anxious.
He carried a cup of coffee into the room and sat beside her.
Catherine was still asleep.
The sight should have been peaceful, but something about it unsettled him. She had been sleeping for far longer than usual.
Maximilian reached out and gently brushed his fingers over her earlobe. He traced the curve of her cheek, then let his fingertip linger against her lips.
"Catherine…"
She didn't stir.
He smiled faintly and tried again, stroking her hair away from her face. Nothing.
His smile faded. He leaned closer, watching her chest rise and fall. Her breathing was steady.
Fine.
