Katherine's hand was still pressed gently to Lydia's forehead when Lydia's eyes fluttered open.
Her lashes trembled as she stirred from her restless sleep. Slowly, she blinked, adjusting to the light that spilled into the room. Her cheeks looked flushed, her lips dry. She struggled to sit up, leaning back against her pillows.
Katherine, still kneeling beside the bed, spoke softly but with clear worry in her voice.
"Your Highness, I think you are sick."
Lydia gave a weak smile, though her eyes looked tired. "I'm fine," she said, her voice quiet and faint. "It's just a fever. Probably because I was in the rain yesterday. I'll be fine."
Katherine frowned, unwilling to believe her. "Are you sure? You don't look well. I can call for a physician if you want me to."
At those words, Lydia's expression changed. Her smile faded, her eyes dimmed. She looked straight at Katherine, her voice holding both pain and emptiness.
"Did you forget?"
