Distant

The next morning, Anastasia woke up at her usual time. She stretched her arms and when she tried to fully open her eyes, she found herself unable to do so. Her lashes were sticking together.

‘Was I crying in my sleep?’ she wondered while rubbing her eyes and making another attempt to open her eyes.

Her eyelids felt heavier. ‘My eyes are swollen, aren’t they?’ she questioned herself and then slipped down from the bed.

She walked over to the dressing table and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes indeed looked swollen. Her gaze slowly trailed to her cheeks and then to her lips. Her fingertips were following her gaze.

‘Oh, I look terrible…’ she sighed.

“Good morning, Your Majesty.”

Anastasia looked at the mirror and saw Martha standing at her door.

She quickly turned around and gave a nod to Martha. “Good morning. Did you stay here for the whole night?” she asked when she saw Martha gently massaging her shoulder.