Sebastian pressed a kiss to Elizabeth's face.
Rain drizzled outside, and the scent of morning—fresh earth and wet leaves—drifted in through the curtains.
A year had passed since they married, since the moment she had become completely his.
She nuzzled against him and he smiled.
"Wake up, love," he whispered.
Elizabeth sighed and wrapped her arms around him tighter.
"I don't want to. Let's stay in bed."
"I would," he kissed her parted lips, "but it's today."
"Today… what?" Her eyes snapped open. She sat up, staring ahead.
Sebastian followed, sitting beside her, his hand moving gently across her shoulder.
"Sweet," he murmured, resting his head against hers.
"Sebastian," she breathed, eyes wide as they turned and met his, "why didn't you wake me earlier? We might be late."
In a heartbeat, she flung off the blanket and scrambled for her robe, wrapping it around herself in a rush.
There was no way she would miss the royal naming ceremony—or worse, arrive late.
