"Your Highness, wakey wakey!"
Florian's eyes flew open.
His whole body jolted as if someone had poured cold water over him.
His heart slammed hard against his ribs as he sucked in a sharp breath and turned his head—
Only to find Cindy hovering directly above him.
Too close.
Way too close.
She was smiling. Wide. Unblinking. Almost… enthusiastic in a way that made his skin prickle.
"Cindy—" Florian gasped as he pushed himself upright. "You frightened me."
She tilted her head slightly, as if genuinely confused. "Did I? I didn't mean to, Your Highness."
"Well, you suddenly shouted at me to wake up," Florian said, still catching his breath, "and you're a little too—"
"Ooh." Cindy suddenly leaned in even closer, her face inches from his. "When I heard your eyes were emeralds and really beautiful, I didn't think it was true. But wow."
"…close," Florian finished weakly.
He stared at her, blinking.
