The Emperor's chamber in the Blake Estate was dim, the curtains drawn to keep the sun from glaring into his weary eyes.
Daphne sat at his side as she checked his pulse. His skin was pale, but not as clammy as the day before.
That small detail eased the knot in her chest.
"How are you feeling this morning, Your Majesty?" she asked softly.
"Not worse." His tone was dry, as if even now he would not give her the satisfaction of worry.
"Then that is good news. Holding steady is better than falling further."
She hesitated, glancing down at her notes tucked beside her satchel.
This was the moment. She couldn't keep circling the idea in her mind without voicing it.
"There is something I wish to attempt," she said carefully. "It is not common. It has never been done here before… but it may be the only chance you have to truly recover."
The Emperor's brow arched faintly, curiosity stirring behind his calm. "Go on."
