Falein turned sharply and walked toward the center of the throne room toward his son. Arik's body lay where it had fallen. Falein knelt beside him. For a brief moment, the anger drained from his face, replaced by something far more fragile.
He reached down and lifted Arik's body as carefully as he could.
There was no weight heavier in the entire world than the dead body of one's own child.
His arms trembled beneath the burden.
The floor had become slick with blood, and as he stood, his shoes slipped slightly. He nearly lost his footing before steadying himself again. Arik's personal guards rushed forward to assist. Together, they carefully hoisted the body and began carrying him out of the throne room. No one spoke as they passed. The heavy doors eventually closed behind them with a dull, echoing thud.
***
