When Ashton entered Stefan's room, he found him sleeping, all snuggled up in a blanket, almost as dry as a corpse.
He was relieved that the lord was still alive, but he couldn't stop wondering how Stefan had been stabbed.
He sat next to the bed, a faint smile on his face. "Your sister is perfectly fine except for a broken heart." He laughed.
"Cyrus simply had to think so murderously, and now his innocent parrot is paying for everything, but do not worry, Cyrus always brags about how strong she is, so she will be fine." He added, placing his hand on Stefan's brow.
"Do not die now," he laughed. "I will not let you die. It is not difficult for me to steal that antidote." He smiled and whispered soothingly.
"Thank you." Stefan spoke in hushed tones. His voice was raspy and forced.
"Anything for you." As he stroked Stefan's brow, Ashton whispered.
...
A week passed, and life in the castle returned to normal, despite Cyrus's dark reign.
