Chapter 18: The Necessities of Ruling and Empire
Julia jolted, screeching as her arm shattered at the elbow. She was only restrained by her other arm now, and the force of Severus’s kick flung her back. She was nothing but a shaking heap on the floor of the throne room.
Sidia covered her mouth in shock and sank to her knees. Tears flowed freely down her horrified face, and she choked back her sobs.
“You didn’t have to do that!” Sidia wailed.
Severus ignored her. Instead, he approached his mother and removed the other shackle. He lifted the injured woman into his arms and held her close, swaying from side to side as he hummed to her. Instead of fighting him off, however, Julia wrapped her good arm around his neck and clung to him. Sidia was baffled by her reaction.
After a few moments, Severus placed Julia on her feet. She was haggard, her face drawn and eyes listless. She turned her attention to Sidia.