Elena's eyes fluttered open, the haze of sleep slowly dissipating as she struggled to orient herself. Confusion clouded her mind as she took in her surroundings, the plush furnishings and elegant decor of the prince's private chambers feeling both foreign and surreal.
A surge of panic coursed through her veins as she realized where she was. How had she ended up here? The events of the previous night and this morning came like a waterfall in her mind.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she glanced at the watch resting on the bedside table, dread pooling in the pit of her stomach. Nearly 11 a.m. She had slept for almost three hours! Panic threatened to overwhelm her as she scrambled to her feet, her mind racing with thoughts of the consequences of her unintended nap.
Frantically, Elena set
