Chapter Fifty-Seven

As the early morning rays leaked through the sheer curtains of his hotel suite, Alexander slowly woke from the deepness of a peaceful slumber.

The delicate sheets stuck to his body, unwilling to free him from their warm hug.

He flickered his eyes open, adjusting to the gentle glow that danced upon the room's graceful decor.

With a languid stretch of his arms, he took satisfaction in the pleasant feeling of his muscles awakening, slowly dispelling the remnants of sleep's enchantment.

His hand went off to Camilla's side on the bed, his fingers brushing against the cool sheets.

His brows creased slightly, a glimmer of confusion and longing passing through his eyes.

"Camilla..." he called out softly, but his voice was met with silence.

He sat up, his hands moving up over his face, rubbing his fatigued eyes.

As they finally opened fully, he sighed, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and standing up.

He moved toward the balcony, pulling back the curtains in hopeful anticipation, e