The sound of the horse's hooves gave Julian hope, bright and desperate hope. It surged in his chest as the thought of someone finally coming this way filled him. The Duke. Did he find me? Amazing how the first person that came to mind regarding his save was the Duke. But how could he not miss the Duke? His affection was less of a deadly poison than the one spreading through his body.
In a situation like this, Julian did not know if the person approaching was friend or foe… but he wished it was at least a friendly person.
He tried to call out, but the poison had turned his throat to sandpaper. He could only manage a raspy, feverish whisper. "Here... help..."
A white horse appeared at the edge of the pit. Julian looked up, his vision swimming in a haze. It wasn't the Duke's grey mare, which meant it wasn't the Duke. This time, it was the Emperor.
Julian's heart skipped.
Though he knew he wasn't exactly in the Emperor's good books, he felt a sudden, profound sense of relief.
