The next morning, Eilika woke up early and freshened up. Once she was ready, she checked on Damian, who was still sleeping peacefully. Last night had been one of the most difficult of his life; the truth had dismantled the world he had built around Liliana's memory, leaving only wreckage in its wake.
As she gently touched his forehead, his eyes moved instantly. Eilika pulled her hand back quickly as he blinked awake.
"I didn't want to disturb your sleep," she whispered.
Damian propped himself up on his elbows before sitting up fully. "The King is heading back to the capital today. It's good that you woke me," he said, his voice thick with sleep. He rubbed his face and lowered his feet to the floor.
"Are you alright?" Eilika asked, her voice laced with worry.
"Yes," Damian replied curtly. "Don't be worried for me."
"How can that be possible?" She took a step back as he stood up, his towering presence filling the room.
