TAYLOR
I woke up the next morning, my body feeling heavier than the day before. A throbbing headache accompanied my attempts to rise from bed, but I resisted the urge to succumb to the fatigue. If I lingered in bed any longer, the sickness threatening to overwhelm me might worsen. With a deep breath, I forced myself to follow my usual morning routine, hoping it would alleviate the growing discomfort.
Vladimir had left the previous night. Nonna, kind as always, had not permitted him to spend another night in our humble abode. Despite his insistence that it was no trouble, Nonna felt uneasy hosting the king and declined his offer to sleep on the living room couch. Consequently, Vladimir reluctantly headed home.
Nonna's concerned voice greeted me as I emerged from my room. "You're still no
