Anastasia couldn't stop thinking about where Kaizan was or what they had done to him—the sounds of swords against swords, flesh tearing and bones snapping. Over the past two months she had fought a lot, the memories of which would stay with her for a long time. Right now, she was focused on calming Iona as best as she could, even though she felt like vomiting. The exhaustion stemmed from not only the lack of sleep but from everything that was happening from the moment they arrived at the fortress after defeating King Edyrm. She knew that Ileus had to be more exhausted than her because he had gone to find Kaizan in the treacherous nights of Tibris. Heaviness settled in her chest. When the knock pounded on the door, she said, "Come in!" hoping that it was the second healer with blood.
The messenger opened and announced, "Queen Siora is here." He was looking flustered at the new development. Anastasia could feel his nervous energy leaking out of his body.
