The Marquis groaned as he awoke, the only light in the bedroom coming from the moon where it shone overhead and illuminated his wife. It was a sight he usually adored, his heart had never been able to maintain a steadfast rhythm when he saw her like this, her face reflecting the pale moonglow so beautifully that he could hardly believe she was here, with him, his and his alone, but he didn't feel the same contentment he usually did now, not when she was awake, staring off into the distance in such a catatonic way that he didn't even believe she had noticed him shifting into wakefulness.
He didn't know how to reach her, these days. He felt so lonely, even when she lay right beside him.
"Darling." He called softly, his hand raising to brush against her shoulder but dropping before he could do so, so unsure of whether the touch would be welcomed. "Why are you awake? What time is it?"