King Edric

*At last, he speaks, his voice low and controlled.* If this is beyond you, *he says,* say so, now. *The words settle as though they’ve been said many times before. There is no judgment in it—only fatigue.*

Your Majesty. *I introduced myself with a polite bow, one of my hands pressed on the satchel to keep it from slipping.* May I first meet you with honesty, from here onwards without repercussions? *To my relative relief, my voice was steady enough to deliver. The request resounds against the stagnant chambers.*

*The king regards you with a quiet intensity, as though weighing your words. He considers for a long moment, then gives a slight nod.* I will hear your honesty, *he says, his voice low and rough.* But know this, healer: the court has many ears, and not all are kind.