Astrid didn't return until dawn, exhaustion having claimed her battle-weary body. She rushed to the solar, Arthur joining her along the way.
"Sleep imprisoned us both, sister," Arthur said with a sense of guilt.
"At least we are well rested and can relieve our mother and my wife," Astrid said and then stopped as she realized what she had just said to her brother.
"She is your wife, sister. You have every right to call her that," Arthur said reassuringly, grasping her shoulder just before entering the solar.
They both froze as they watched their mother and Vevina frantically working over their brother, blood everywhere and Lancer moaning.
"He ripped the stitches after fighting us while in the throes of a dream," Elaine explained.
"Damn it, brother," Arthur mumbled. "I should have
