Aira.
The king moved ahead, his long strides eating up the distance, and I followed behind him, eventually falling into step with him. The walk should have been comforting, a welcome respite from being cooped up in his chambers for way too long, but instead, my anxiety and worry tripled as I walked next to the king. Though it was hardly visible, he kept stumbling over his own steps, his feet tangling in the weeds as if he'd forgotten how to walk. His breathing had started to become strained, a thin sheet of sweat coating his forehead.
My heart went out to him, aching with a mix of compassion and fear. It was at the tip of my tongue to call it quits, to suggest we return to his chambers, but something held me back.
Eventually, he came to a stop, his gaze locked forward, barely aware o
