King Ruger's head snapped toward Northern, and then he went completely still. The room fell silent for half a beat. Behind him, Prince Rieran frowned deeply, and Roma's eyes grew glassy.
"Wait… you… does that mean you can save her?" King Ruger's voice shook.
Northern looked at the man. He could see his hand tightening around his wife's wrist, could see the light kindling in his eyes. A desperate, hungry light.
He'd seen that look before. On the Dark Continent, in the faces of people who'd been given hope after resigning themselves to death. It never sat well with him—the weight of being someone's salvation.
But he sighed and said:
"Yes."
King Ruger shivered, his breath catching audibly. Northern cut in before the man could stray too far down whatever emotional path he was wandering.
"However, it will be difficult." He shifted his gaze to the Queen.
The words made the atmosphere turn cold. The Queen smiled weakly.
