Queen Sephora's unconscious body was gently laid on the soft divan in the royal healing chamber. Her silk gown was slightly torn, and her face was pale and swollen.
The golden light from the lanterns danced across her skin, casting flickers of shadow that made her look even more fragile.
Around her temples, small blisters had started to form, and her lips had turned a strange, deep red almost like dried blood.
Ashen stood nearby, staring down at her. His jaw was tight, but his eyes were filled with worry. He hated seeing his mother like this. The poison had done enough damage to leave her body weak and struggling.
"Be quick," Ashen said in a low voice to the physicians inside the chamber. "Prepare everything we need."
"Yes, My Lord," one of the older physicians said with a deep bow, though his hands shook slightly as he opened a large wooden box. Inside were herbs, glass bottles filled with elixirs, and small jars of thick, colored salves.
