Chapter 43: The Awakening Tides

**Thelma Zane’s POV** Damn these confidentiality regulations! When I become Queen, the first thing I’ll do is abolish this ancient, outdated rule. The thought bubbled in my mind as sleep claimed me, right there in the bathtub. By the time I woke up, the morning sun was streaming through the curtains, casting a warm glow over my room. Blinking groggily, I realized two figures were standing by my bed—Kara, my ever-attentive servant, and Tracy, the royal physician. To my surprise, my mother was seated by my side, her face lined with worry. As soon as she saw my eyes flutter open, relief swept over her features. “Thank the Moon Goddess. You’re finally awake, baby.” Still hazy, I sat up, trying to make sense of her concern. “What happened?” “You’ve been asleep for nearly fifteen hours, Your Highness,” Kara informed me. “It’s already noon.” “What?” I bolted upright, panic rushing through me. “Does that mean I’m late? Oh no, my end-of-term summary is going to have multiple ‘