It swallowed my frail body whole, and I sank into it with a soft sigh.
The world stretched out before me like an endless sea of green forests, rooftops and distant mountains, the sky was a vast, tender blue dusted with slow-moving clouds.
A light breeze kissed my cheeks, stirring my matted hair.
I sat there, utterly still, drinking it all in.
I didn't know what sick, twisted game was playing out around me. I didn't trust any of it, but this moment, this sunlight on my skin, this stolen piece of peace... it was real.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hasmik slip away. Moments later, she returned, carrying a familiar silver bowl. The same bowl of fruits that the King had offered earlier.
"You'll need your strength, Your Gracious Majesty," she uttered softly, placing the bowl beside me
