Ashen's eyes fluttered open, his body heavy against silk sheets that suddenly felt foreign. He tried to sit up, but his limbs moved without his full consent, as though someone else pulled invisible strings.
His right hand rose of its own accord and began rubbing through his dark hair in slow, repetitive strokes. He couldn't stop it. The motion continued, unsettling, until frustration burned in his chest.
What in the nine realms is happening to me?
A sharp headache exploded behind his eyes, white-hot and blinding. He winced, pressing the heel of his palm against his temple just as the heavy chamber door creaked open.
Lumina stepped inside, carrying a small porcelain bowl with both hands. This time, a black silk blindfold covered her silver eyes, the same one she had worn in the early days of their marriage, when she still pretended to be the, sightless queen. The sight of her like this sent a strange jolt through him.
