"Good morning, princess." A gentle voice woke Briana as rays of sunlight streamed through the large window, and even in her half groggy state, Briana knew that the voice belonged to Ellie.

Briana opened her eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the bright burst of sunlight. "Did you open the shudders?" Briana asked, holding up a hand to shield her eyes.

"No, my lady." Ellie sounded a bit alarmed. "They were open when I entered the room."

"Oh, I must have left ...