The next morning, Abril woke up first. Her body felt tired, her legs sore. Upon opening her eyes, the first thing she saw was Alessandro sleeping beside her. He was holding her. She was furious with him for lying. He had told her he would stop if she asked, but he hadn't, even when she had begged him with tears in her eyes to stop.
Abril tried to escape his embrace, but he only held her tighter, his hand moving beneath the sheets to caress her waist. She blushed, realizing she was completely naked, that he was touching her bare skin. Her face burned with shame.
Half-asleep, Alessandro mumbled, "Where are you going?"
"Far away from Your Majesty," she retorted, her voice hoarse with lingering annoyance.
Alessandro released her and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you so upset?"
Abril fro
