News of the King of the Kingdom of Northwind's death soon broke free of secrecy. Instantly, masses wore mourning; inside the palace, weeping echoed, and attendants bustled about in sorrow. Meanwhile, Victoria Ashwood found herself forgotten in a silent corner.
She stood there, watching people pass back and forth, realizing she would always be an outsider.
Because of Lucy Sinclair's treatments, her body had grown stronger. Her face was no longer so deathly pale—she looked more like a living person now. That morning, Lucy had already drawn her blood as usual. Victoria pulled up a small stool by the door, gazing at passersby or perhaps at the clouds. Her stillness was so profound that Lucy worried she might have died on the spot.
"You're still breathing," Lucy announced after checking the faint warmth beneath Victoria's nose. "I did say I wouldn't let someone die under my care."