"Your Majesty, shall I assist with your preparations?" my sister cooed sycophantically.
"Unnecessary—I'll manage," came the confident reply.
Her voice trailed off to the adjoining room as she commanded the servants to douse all candles and dismissed them, leaving only Nanny Adams at the door.
Approaching the screen, my sister pinched my arm and shoved me onto the bed, whispering fiercely, "Don't you dare mess this up!"
She glared at me menacingly before slipping away quietly.
When the king emerged, the room was awash in the soft flutter of drapes and the eerie glow of moonlight.
"The queen does surprise me tonight," he murmured as he approached.
I lowered my gaze, waiting.
He extended his arms naturally, and I helped him shed his belt, layer by layer, revealing his royal attire beneath.
Clad only in his undergarments, he drew me close, "What's with the silence tonight, love?"
Anxiety gripped me—my voice bore no resemblance to my sister's. Speaking out would surely blow my cover, but silence would raise suspicions.
Resolutely, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling myself up to meet his lips.