WHERE IS MY QUEEN?

As Oriana and Adric departed the royal court, they left behind a trail of ministers crying and pleading for mercy. Their first stop was Fidelis' room, where they found him flanked by Walter and Kai. Despite the events of the previous day, the boys' faces shone brightly, their spirits seemingly unbroken.

"Auntie Oriana!" Walter exclaimed, jumping up to hold her in a warm hug. Kai waited patiently for his turn, his eyes sparkling with excitement, before wrapping his arms around Oriana in a tight squeeze.

As Fidelis noticed his son's presence, he attempted to sit up, but Adric quickly and gently restrained him.

"You should rest more. Don't worry about me," Adric said, his concern for his father evident.

Fidelis smiled, touched by his son's open display of worry. "Now you know why you should treat your loved ones better," he said, his voice sounding weak. "You never know what might happen while you're away."