A HAND LAY ACROSS HERS. “PRINCESS, it’s time to wake up.” Aurora dragged her eyes open, blinking in the bright light. Betsy stood in front of her, dark curls frizzing wildly around her face. “Princess, why are you sleeping here?” “I was reading,” she said. “I must have fallen asleep.” The Tale of Sleeping Beauty lay open under her elbow, balanced precariously on the arm of the chair. The paintings of her mother and father smiled up at her. She tried to sit straighter, and her shoulder ached in protest. “Oh, Princess, you must get some proper rest,” Betsy said. She placed her breakfast tray on the table nearby. “I worry about you. Sometimes you look like you never sleep at all.” “I’ve already slept more than I’ll ever need to,” Aurora said. She forced a small smile. “But you still need real sleep, if I may say so.” “I’m adjusting.” Betsy put a plate down by Aurora’s side. “At least you can eat.” Aurora picked up a jam-covered roll and took a tentative bite, letting its sweetness fill her mouth.
