The little girl ran to Sophia, her small arms wrapping around her mother's legs.
"Your Majesty," the healer said, her voice breaking with sorrow, "Lady Adeline... she... she died trying to protect Anara."
"No..." Sophia whispered, her heart sinking.
The room seemed to close in around her, filled with the echoes of loss and the scent of despair.
The healer continued, her sobs punctuating her words. "Lady Helvis fought bravely to protect Prince Emrys, Your Majesty. Alas she failde, and... she was gravely injured. We don't know if she'll make it."
Sophia's eyes filled with tears as she held Anara closer. She looked around the room at the faces of the other healers, all marked with grief and exhaustion. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
Anara clung to her, her cries slowly subsiding into quiet sobs.