There was a knock on Aurora's suite of rooms; Nanny scurried to answer it. Although Aurora could not make out the words, she could hear the rushed tone of the conversation. When Nanny returned, she looked at a loss for words. "Child," she began. "I have news. Your siblings have been born..."

"That is wonderful! Was a girl or a... wait did you say siblings? I have more than one?"

Nanny nodded, "Yes, a girl and a boy. They are safe and healthy."

"This is excellent news, Nanny! My joy is doubled. Why do you look so sad?"

The large woman looked at the ground. "There's more. Your mother....the Empress. Something has happened to her."

"What do you mean?" Aurora did not understand her words.

"The Empress's midwife has disappeared, and the Empress is unconscious. No one can wake her."

"Did the midwife do this to her?" the girl was worried. Midwives were supposed to help, not hurt.

"I don't think so. It just happens this way sometimes. Childbirth is a beautiful, but dangerous event."

The princess nodded. When she had heard that her mother was pregnant, she had read every book on the subject that her tutors would allow. "Can I see them? All of them?"

Nanny smiled. She was very relieved that the princess had taken the news in stride. "I'll get you ready."

----------

Entering the Empress's chambers was a sobering experience. Everyone was quiet, and most of the servants milled about aimlessly, unsure how to help. The Empress lay still on the bed looking like a frail porcelain doll. All of the color had drained from her skin and even her ruby lips had turned pallid. Three physicians circled their patient, checking her condition constantly. Their faces were grim. They had tried smelling salts and other known remedies, but nothing would wake the sleeping beauty. Zephyra's breathing was soft and shallow, growing shallower all the time.

Aurora glanced at her mother, unsure how she should feel. The princess did not wish her mother ill, but looking upon the sleeping form, she felt like she was staring at a stranger. Her heart felt pity for the woman, but no grief. "How is she?" the girl asked the head physician. The doctor regarded her sadly.

"Not well, Princess Aurora. I'm very sorry."

The girl nodded, but made no response. Instead, she looked around hoping to find someone else. Her face lit as she spotted two little beds in the corner of the room attended by two nurses. Normally the babies would have been sent to the nursery, but when the emergency had occurred no one had seen fit to send them on their way. Aurora left her mother's side and headed to the far portion of the room. Over a dozen sets of eyes watched as the princess took her first look at her new brother and sister. The girl was small, with dark locks of hair already present on her head. Her eyes were closed, but the babe held a serene look of peace on her face, unaware of the pain and chaos around her. The boy was slightly larger than his twin, with a bald head like that of an old man. He was awake and strangely alert for a newborn, and as Aurora approached their eyes locked.

She smiled at him, marveling at how something so small and helpless had entered the world. "May I hold him?" she asked the nurse. The nurse looked around for instructions, but as Aurora was technically the most senior person in the room save the unconscious Empress, the nurse decided it best to comply. She picked the baby up from its bed and handed it to the ten-year-old.

"You may want to sit, Princess. Please take my seat," the nurse offered.

Aurora sat on the cushion, cradling her brother gently in her arms. He was wrapped tightly in a blanket, but somehow he had broken free of his bondage with one grasping hand. The ten-year-old allowed her finger to be clasped in her brother's palm. A warm feeling spread through her body. "Hello little one! Welcome to the world. I'm Aurora," she introduced herself. The baby's clear blue eyes stared up intelligently as if he understood every word. He cooed. Aurora giggled, "It's nice to meet you too. Things are a little crazy around here right now, but don't worry. I'll protect you. We're a team. All three of us," Aurora whispered as she glanced over at their sleeping sister.

There was a commotion as Cafer, chief of the Council, entered the room. His commanding presence galvanized those standing around into action, each trying to appear busy and important. Cafer went straight to the bed. "How is she?" he asked without and pleasantries.

The primary doctor wrung his hands. "The Empress is not improving. Her life is slipping away."

Cafer considered the statement. "Then it's good the Council is meeting. We are coming up with a plan for what to do after the Empress's departure from this life." The doctor grimaced and cleared his throat, motioning his head to the corner of the room where the princess sat staring at them. As Cafer followed his gaze, his eyes fell on the girl and he quickly amended his statement, "…which I am sure will not be for a very long time." Cafer walked smoothly over to Aurora and bowed deeply. "Your siblings are healthy I see. I'm sure your mother will be able to attend them soon."

Aurora inclined her head but remained silent. She was unsure how her mother would treat her brother and sister, and her growing attachment to the babes wanted only the best for them. Suddenly, Zephyra gasped as her body came to life. The Empress flailed about as the doctors and nurses struggled to control her erratic movements. "Where is my daughter?" Zephyra yelled.

"Both babies are well and healthy. Don't worry, Your Majesty," one of the physicians said to comfort her.

"No! Aurora! Where is Aurora?!" Zephyra was frantic.

The princess stood and passed her brother back to the nurse. With long strides, she crossed the room to her mother's side. "Here I am, Empress." Zephyra's eyes dilated as she struggled to focus. Her hands reached toward the girl, and Aurora instinctively grabbed them to calm her mother.

"Aurora?" The Empress's voice was thin and unsteady.

"Yes?"

"Be better," the woman's voice was barely above a whisper.

"What?" The girl was confused. Was this a criticism or exhortation?

"Be better," Zephyra repeated. And with a ragged breath, the Empress closed her eyes for the last time. The room was silent as a tomb as the doctor covered the beautiful woman's face with a white cloth. Everyone bowed, and the girl realized they were not paying homage to the former Empress. They were acknowledging her—their new ruler. This was not a time to mourn, though the girl wasn't sure she could. Aurora straightened her back and wiped a stray tear from her eye. She looked directly at Cafer.

"Tell me of the Council's plan."

"Yes, Your Majesty."