Zayden swung the door open, finding Ren seated on the chair. The royal physician was preparing to disinfect the scratches on his hands, small streaks of blood marking the peeled skin.
"Your Royal Highness!" the physician exclaimed.
"Don't call me that," Zayden sighed, stepping closer to Ren. His eyes darted around, searching for someone—or something.
"Are you looking for something?" Ren asked softly.
"Where is Eiran?" Zayden demanded.
"Oh, I sent him back to his room. I said I would join him once this is treated."
Zayden blinked, glancing at Ren. He shouldn't feel this way, but a small relief bloomed in his chest. After revealing the truth, Ren had begun to talk more—even if it was one sentence more—something he never would have done before.
Improvement…
A soft chuckle escaped Zayden, confusing the physician.
Ren tilted his head, wondering if he had said something funny.
"How badly is he injured?" Zayden asked, his voice tighter than he realized.
