Security officers stepped forward. The physician's knees gave way, she bowed low, trembling. "Master Rynell, forgive me! Forgive me!"
Rynell stared at her, his face dark. "Speak the plain truth. What has truly befallen Zairine? Why lies she thus, silent and still?"
The physician swallowed hard, scarcely daring to breathe. "Master Rynell, the lady's blood had slowed within her veins. It appears a sudden failure of the heart has cast her into a deep, prolonged slumber."
"When shall she wake up?" he asked.
Sweat broke across her brow, soaking her back. Rynell's gaze was cold and heavy, pressing upon her.
"I ask you, when?"
She sank fully to the floor. "Master Rynell, this affliction of the stars is exceedingly rare. The pattern of the heavens differs for every soul. No man may say with
