Kaelith folded the letter with slow, deliberate movements, his fingers trembling slightly as though even touching the parchment weighed on him.
He tucked it carefully into the inner pocket of his robe, Then, after a brief pause, he lifted his eyes to the palace attendant still waiting before him.
"You may go," he said, his voice steadier than he felt inside.
The attendant bowed deeply before taking his leave. The door shut softly behind him, and the moment they were alone, Kaelith's composure cracked. His shoulders slumped forward as if an invisible force had drained all strength from his body. He sank heavily into the nearest chair, elbows on his knees, face buried in his hands.
Sana's heart instantly tightened. "Kaelith?" she whispered, the tremor in her voice betraying her growing fear. She turned sharply toward the hallway and called out, "Someone! Come quickly and take little Henry to his bed!"
