The Emperor's Apologies

The queen remained by the emperor's side all night, lying close to him with a gaze that held both deep worry and gentle affection. For the first time, she clung desperately to every remaining moment she could spend with him, treasuring time in a way she hadn't before, now that she knew it was slipping away.

At dawn, the emperor opened his eyes to find that nearly every courtier, minister, and friend, regardless of rank or distance, had gathered in the courtyard of the small village. The place was packed with concerned faces, while soldiers stood guard around its perimeter, transforming the village square into a makeshift encampment. The courtiers lined up, murmuring anxiously among themselves, hoping for a glimpse of the emperor and dreading the worst as rumors of his condition had spread rapidly.