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The Vault
It was the evening before the coronation and presentation of the twins to the world. It would be a full and tiring day, and Aurora knew she should sleep. But knowing and doing are two different things. The princess sent her maids away after dinner and lay down on top of the blankets on her bed in her under clothes. It was far too much work to put on her night clothes, and yet in her exhaustion she knew she could not rest. Reaching for her collar bone, she ran her fingers along the delicate golden necklace which her father had given her. Her mind was empty and full all at once.
A soft knock from the wall caught Aurora's attention. She sighed and sat up with a groan. Throwing on a thick green robe, she pulled the switch and allowed Devrim to enter.
"I can't sleep," the boy said when he saw her upset glare. "I don't suppose you want to go exploring?" The princess continued her death-stare. "Please? Devrim begged. "We didn't go last night, and there is still so much to see
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Just as Aurora was preparing for bed that evening, she heard a knock on the wall. The Empress knew the sound well. Butterflies formed in her stomach. It had been nearly a year since she had heard that knock. Devrim had told her that it wasn't proper for him to visit her in the night anymore. He didn't want anyone who knew the truth to talk badly of Aurora or ruin her reputation. Devrim always looked out for her. The Empress smiled slightly as she recognized her friend's tapping."What was that?" asked Anna. The sisters had been preparing Aurora for her royal slumber. As the oldest and most conscientious of the ladies-in-waiting, Anna was always the most concerned about Aurora's safety and well-being. She took a tentative step toward the wall to investigate."It's nothing." Aurora stopped her. "Sometimes these old walls just do that. No need to worry about it. Goodnight ladies!" The girl began to forcefully push Anna toward the door.&
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