The moment the doors closed behind Keith and General Varric, silence swallowed the room, the kind that came before a storm.
My mother crossed the room and stood near the window, sunlight spilling across her dark gown. The royal crest embroidered into the fabric seemed almost alive beneath the morning light.
Queen Isolde Lake. The most feared woman in the kingdom. Most people feared my father because he could order their execution, but more people feared my mother because she rarely needed to.
She remained staring outside for several seconds before speaking.
"The healers told me you nearly died."
I leaned against the headboard.
"I survived, mother."
Her gaze shifted toward me. "That was not what I am saying, even the healers are not clear how you survived Caleb."
I remained silent b
