The lady in waiting
In the end, I convince Alexander to go to sleep.
He's been in bed for the whole day, but I am tired. And also, I don't want his condition to worsen just because of some card game.
Morning is closer than what it looks, according to the clock. Outside, it's dark and silent, though.
I lie down next to my husband and close my eyes, trying to sleep for at least a few hours. I had to promise that we would play, one of these evenings. This stubborn Duke wouldn't have let me go if I didn't pronounce the words, so I accepted his extortion.
What use does a lady have of it, by the way? Gentlemen play all the times, but noblewomen don't!
When I wake up in the morning, I'm tired as if I've worked for a week without stopping. Yet, it was a single day.
I stretch my arm out and touch Alexander's forehead. His temperature is back to normal, so I relax and cuddle at his side for a bit more.