***Cadiz***
I woke to Raizel's hand in mine.
My body felt like it had been broken and poorly reassembled, every muscle ached, my head pounded, the poison still burned through my veins though weaker now.
"How long?" I asked, my voice hoarse.
"Eight hours," Raizel said softly. "You collapsed right after the battle ended, we brought you to the palace."
"The king?"
"Dead. Father killed him." Raizel's grip on my hand tightened. "It's over, Cadiz. We won."
We won.
The words felt empty, hollow.
"Where is he?" I asked. "Where's Cassius?"
"Aldrik has him," Raizel said quietly. "He hasn't left Cassius's side, Camilla is with them too."
I tried to sit up and Raizel helped me, supporting my weight, the room was rich with expensive furnishings, tapestries that spoke of imperial wealth.
We were in the palace. In rooms that had belonged to the royal family just hours ago.
