***
King Nazar died a week later at dawn, with the first light of winter just beginning to peek from the horizon. In his last minutes, he asked for Adaria to be summoned to his room. When she saw his pale, almost lifeless form, she broke down in tears and rushed to his side.
“D-do not pity me, c-child,” he said. “Death must come to all. We c-cannot e-evade it, no m-matter how far we run. But I need you t-to be strong now. I need you to have some courage, for the sake of your people.”
Adaria shook her head as hot tears fell across her cheeks. With a great deal of strain, King Nazar lifted his hand and cupped her face. His veins stood out, black just like his eyes had gotten. His movements were twitchy and forced, and his tongue had swelled almost to the point where it was choking him.
