[Silthara Palace — Malika's Private Chamber — Continuation]
The chamber did not feel the same. It had not changed. The silks were still drawn, and the lamps still burned low; the air still carried the same quiet fragrance, and yet something within it had shifted because Levin now stood at its center—not uncertain, not asking, but deciding.
"…Send Physcian Naram." His voice was calm, too calm.
Iru hesitated only for a breath and then bowed. "…As you command, Malika."
He left, and the silence returned, but this time it waited.
***
[Moments Later---The Chamber]
The doors opened again, and Naram entered, measured and composed, but his eyes already knew as he bowed deeper. "… Malika."
Levin did not ask him to rise, did not offer courtesy. He simply looked at him long and steadily.
"…Tell me what happened." There was no softness, no hesitation in his voice; only truth was demanded.
Naram remained bowed. "…Malika…you should rest first."
And that was the wrong answer.
