Blood smeared his face and splattered onto King Kyden's fist. The knights felt a pang of guilt, but they understood that the king had resorted to this extreme measure to prevent even more disastrous consequences.
King Kyden rose to his feet, panting heavily, his hand trembling and stained with blood. The bedroom was cloaked in a heavy silence from the aftermath. The only sounds piercing the quiet were the cries of Anna, Elis, Callis, and Jessy.
Though Meredith did not cry, she appeared visibly shaken. The lady-in-waiting fought to maintain her composure, understanding that she had to be the strong pillar for those affected in this tumultuous moment.
Her heart ached for the pain and chaos surrounding her, but she knew that showing her own distress would only add to the already devastating situation.
