Aurora didn't know what to make of it all. Jonathan had been right—she was a princess by blood. But was she supposed to be happy about that? It didn't matter anymore, did it? She sighed for what felt like the hundredth time and pushed herself upright.
The door creaked open, and Stephen entered. His eyes were clouded, his steps heavy.
Aurora narrowed her gaze. "What's wrong?" she asked, rising to her feet.
He didn't answer. Instead, he pulled her into a sudden embrace. His arms were tight around her, almost desperate, and Aurora returned the hug instinctively, stroking his back though she had no idea what had happened.
"It's okay," she whispered, hearing the faint sound of his sniff. "You'll be fine."
When he finally let go, he raked his hand through his hair and sank onto the bed, staring into the distance as if he could see a past no one else could. Aurora sat beside him quietly, waiting.
