The Nightmare.

Morning came quickly for Arissa. She rubbed her eyes slowly as she struggled for the sleep to free her.

Her hands stretched to her side to hold Nicklaus. A low sigh escaped her lips when she felt nothing about him but soft mattresses.

Arissa's eyes finally parted and she took in a soft gulp to moisture her throat, "Nick," she mumbled softly and sat up on the bed.

Nicklaus paused what he was doing before the vanity mirror. A smile broke out on his lips and he turned to face her.

"And finally, the queen herself is awake," Nicklaus said in adoration as Arissa sat up on the bed.

Arissa blushed when he titled her a queen. She smiled and combed her hair backward, using her fingers. Nicklaus dropped his comb on the vanity table and rushed to her side.

"How are you this morning?" he asked taking her legs into his hands. He massaged the soles of her feet softly and met her eyes.