Ivan fed Alexander a calming pill, trying to soothe his rattled nerves. Vlad stood motionless nearby, waiting for the medicine to take effect. The knights guarding their lord and his young son remained equally still.
“Why don’t you take one too, my lord?”
Ivan’s voice was gentle as he offered the pills to Vlad, who turned to face him. Holding the pouch with his thumb and forefinger, Ivan gave it a slight shake. Vlad raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by the jest. The knights exchanged glances, silently amused by the priest’s boldness.
Ivan tapped his own cheek lightly with his free hand. “Your skin is completely in its original form right now, you know.”
Vlad glanced down at the back of his hand, though he didn’t notice much difference, since it always appeared a shade of teal to him. That he had forgotten to maintain his form was a sign of how deeply he had been shaken.
