Aurdis entered the room, her eyes immediately falling on the weakened forms of her father and brother lying in their beds. She had long since wiped away her tears, not wanting to let her sorrow worsen the atmosphere.
She walked slowly toward them, offering a faint smile to the healers who were working tirelessly, then came to a stop between the two beds. Her eyes shifted gently back and forth between King Gulben and Aerchon.
"Aurdis, are you alright?" King Gulben asked softly as he opened his eyes and noticed his daughter standing there.
Aurdis stepped closer to her father, instinctively reaching out to hold his hand—only to stop when she saw the condition it was in. His arms were too damaged to bear even a gentle touch. She quickly withdrew her hand.
"I'm alright, Father," Aurdis replied with a soft smile she had to force. Her voice remained gentle, though she tried her best to make it sound firm.
