Polo drew a slow breath.
"His Majesty has been unable to govern since the Blessing Festival."
Metheea stared at him, certain she had misunderstood.
"What does that mean?"
"His core reacted badly after the ceremony. He has been drifting between unconsciousness and confusion."
"He stood through the Blessing."
"He remained conscious until he returned to his private rooms."
"Why was I not told?"
"You were with His Highness. Then the attack began."
"That explains the night." Metheea kept her eyes on him. "It does not explain this morning."
Polo did not defend himself.
"The physicians believed His Majesty's condition would improve once the strain of the Blessing passed."
"It has not."
"No."
Metheea turned to Yise. "How serious is it?"
"Serious enough that Michael and the physicians have refused every request for a council audience."
"Is he dying?"
"We do not know," Polo said.
The answer remained between them.
"Does he know Azrayel was attacked?"
