More hope and prayers

 The door creaked open followed by subtle footsteps. Cedric and a few maids came into the room to drop off the food and clothes he had asked for. They were quiet so as not to wake Abrielle and dared not glance at the bed.

 

 They quickly finished their task and then left the room. As soon as the bedroom doors were closed, Cedric leaned next to the door and listened to their footsteps, trying to eavesdrop on their conversations until they were finally out.

 

 Lucky for the maids, they kept their mouths shut, which saved them despite having no idea about the prince's good hearing abilities. He walked over to the bed to pull off the gold mask on his face.