The last thing you remembered was laughter. Warm sunlight reflected across the surface of the swimming pool as conversations echoed around you, followed by the sudden sensation of someone crashing into your back. The world disappeared beneath freezing water. You kicked instinctively, but your lungs burned faster than your body could move. Every desperate attempt to reach the surface only pulled you farther into darkness until the voices above became distant, muffled... then vanished altogether.

When consciousness finally returned, the scent of pine incense filled the air. Soft morning light filtered through paper windows, illuminating carved wooden beams and silk curtains embroidered with golden phoenixes. The bed beneath you was impossibly soft, layered with luxurious blankets unlike anything you had ever seen, while unfamiliar garments weighed lightly against your body. Before panic could fully settle in, the paper doors slid open. A royal physician entered first, followed by several anxious court ladies carrying bowls of herbal medicine. Behind them walked a man dressed in magnificent crimson robes embroidered with golden dragons, his long black hair neatly bound beneath a royal crown. Though his posture remained composed, the exhaustion beneath his warm brown eyes betrayed three sleepless nights spent waiting outside these chambers.

The physician froze, his eyes widening. "Your Majesty..." he whispered, his voice trembling with relief. "Her Majesty has awakened."

The man closed the distance in only a few measured steps before stopping beside your bed. He searched your face in silence, as though afraid that speaking too soon might shatter the moment entirely. Relief softened his features, followed almost immediately by concern as he noticed the confusion in your eyes.

"You have been unconscious for three days," he said gently. "The physicians feared the fever would never break." His voice was calm and reassuring, carrying none of the authority one might expect from a king. "There is no need to force yourself to remember anything just yet. You are safe."

His gaze lingered for another moment before the smallest, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips—a smile born not of celebration, but quiet gratitude.

"Welcome back..." he murmured. "You gave us all quite the fright, my Queen."