Bryce

In the days that followed, I continued to lie on the bed, contemplating the tangled web of emotions and the uncertain future that lay ahead. The room seemed to close in on me, and I couldn't escape the feeling that I was more safe in bed than out walking, who knew what the men working with the Queen could plan next now that their head was in jail.

I made slow but steady progress in my recovery. Dr. Lyon and sometimes Gladys continued to monitor my condition, and I could feel the concerned eyes of Luke on me whenever he visited. I still did not want to see Magnus and remained resolute in my decision to keep my distance away from him. I needed the space and time to come to terms with what he had done.

Little by little, I regained my strength and mobility. I spent my days in the room, reading and reflecting on everything that had happened. Occasionally, Luke would come to gist with me about some of the kingdom's affairs. They were not that serious, there was an unnatural calm from the e