The room was silent, save for the soft crackling of wood in the fireplace.
Arthur stood by the bed, his eyes on the frail girl before him.
Her skin was paler than that of the Imperial People, tinged with the cool hue of the north. Her short silver hair was slightly disheveled, and her deep blue eyes held an air of mystery. Though slender, the taut skin of her arms and shoulders concealed a wiry strength, like a leopard poised to strike.
Even
10