The late king

With determined eyes, Lloyd focused on Mari as she stepped back, defiance etched in her expression. The pain in his chest was suffocating, but he recognized the truth: it was Roman who had done this to him. He turned his attention to Hermione, his breath heavy and haggard, as she slipped from his embrace. "No, Hermione, please," he urged, gripping her tightly as he removed the cold object from her back, which had tinted her dress and lips with a lifeless hue. "Look at me," he demanded, shaking her gently, but her eyes remained closed.

Tears streamed down his face as he held Hermione close. "I'm begging you, don't do this to me," he pleaded, kneeling on the ground and clutching her body as he fought to rouse her.