CHAPTER 123

ANNA KYLIN CHESTER

I WOKE UP before the crack of dawn. The room was empty, but I could hear Mitch's breathing. I spread my hands, but he wasn't on the bed. I opened my eyes slowly and saw him standing at the window, overlooking the mountains.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes. "What are you doing up?" I asked groggily. "What's the matter?"

"I can't sleep, darling," he muttered.

"But why?"

He sighed but didn't reply.

"Come," I patted the bed beside me. "I'll put you to sleep."

"That sounded like a threat," He looked skeptical but he came to sit beside me.

I laid his head on my thighs and rubbed his head softly. "What is it that's bothering you?"

He sighed, relaxing at my touch. "I can't just help but think about the dangers that are out there. For the kids, for you... for this kingdom..."

"You don't have to worry about a of that," I told him. "No harm will happen to us."

He mumbled something inaudible under his breath. I looked at him, and to my surprise, he was fast asleep. I sighed and le