The Emperor carried the Empress through the palace corridors, lantern light trembling against the walls. Every step felt heavier than the last.
Her body was cold in his arms.
Too cold.
As they reached her chamber, brighter lamps revealed what the darkness had hidden.
Blood.
A thin trail of blood ran from her temple, soaking into her wet hair.
His breath caught.
Her face had turned ashen, lips drained of color. Her chest rose so faintly it was almost imperceptible.
Her heartbeat… is fading.
For the first time in his life, fear wrapped around the Emperor's heart like a tightening vice.
He laid her gently on the bed.
"Call the healer again!" he barked.
Servants scrambled, their faces pale with terror.
He brushed her hair away from her face with trembling fingers.
"Stay with me," he whispered harshly, his voice barely steady. "You are not allowed to die. Not tonight."
Her eyelashes fluttered weakly, but her eyes did not open.
---
The Healer Arrives
