“Oh, gods…” Arina covered her mouth. Kassian rushed to her side, falling to his knee and sliding his arms beneath her so he could pick her up.
“It’s going to be fine, Arina,” Raena said once again, squeezing the Empress’s hand while Kassian adjusted the woman in his arms. “Take deep breaths, and we’ll go see the doctor. You have to remain calm, alright? There is no one better at that than you, right?”
Kassian was just about to head inside when Yulien stepped onto the balcony, his guards filling the space behind him. The Emperor’s step faltered as his gaze fell on them, eyes darting to where Verena was trembling with her hands wrapped around herself. He seemed like he was about to ask what was going on when his eyes suddenly widened.
“Is that blood?” he asked breathlessly, taking a step
