My right nostril was clogged. The only thing sounding through the council room was me breathing. My face was on fire. My eye was no longer swollen, but the white in it had turned blue. It looked bizarre. I had big blue, purple and yellow rings around my eyes and my nose was broken. I had cuts on my cheeks and in my eyebrows.

The councillors didn’t look at me as they discussed politics and new proposals, and I didn’t listen. Before I knew it, someone was touching my shoulder. I looked up ant met Charred’s gaze. He was the only one left.

“The meeting is over, Your Highness.”

“Right,” I said hoarsely. I staggered to my feet, and Charred grabbed my arm, steadying me.

“How about we go to my chambers for some tea, Your Highness?”

I nodded tiredly, and Charred lead me to the doors. They opened, and Aki appeared behind them. I looked down at the floor.

“His Highness is expected-”

“His Highness is having tea with me. On my request,” Charred interrupted and walked around Aki.

“I need him.”

“I think you can wait.” Charred stopped and straightened. He was taller than Aki. And he was still holding on to my arm.

“I’m going for tea,” I said and started walking. I didn’t look back but just held on to Charred’s arm, in fear of tipping over if I let go.

He opened the door to his chambers for me and closed it behind me as soon as I was inside. He sat me down in a chair and went to his washroom, retrieving a bowl and a washcloth. He gently dabbed my wounds with it. It soothed the burning sensation on my skin.

“What’s your first name?” I asked.

“Islo.”

“That’s nice.”

He snorted, his eyes not leaving the wound on my cheek. “Not as nice as Quinn.”

“It’s a weird name. Quinn. I think it was the only thing my mother was allowed to decide before she was sent away.”

“You should cherish it then. A name is a gift from your parents.” He kept the cloth against my cheek, taking my hand in his and putting it on my cheek, so I was holding the cloth myself. “I’m going to put a stop to this, Quinn.”

“Don’t. He’ll end you.”

“Do you know how I joined the council?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Everything. I was voted in. By the people. Now, what happens if I just disappear? The one man, the people voted for?”

“They’ll be mad,” I murmured.

“Yep.” He smiled half a smile and got me to remove the cloth. “You should’ve put something cold on this immediately after. It would’ve helped with the swelling.”

“I’ll remember that for the next time.”

“You better. I want you to stay pretty.”

I snorted and leaned back in the chair. “Is it weird I don’t even think about that anymore? I used to think about it a lot. It was one of my biggest worries in life. Now all I think about is how I don’t want to be in pain anymore.”

He took my hand in both of his and gave it a soft squeeze. “Listen, I’m not gonna pretend everything will be fine tomorrow. So you have to be strong. Can you be strong?”

“No,” I whispered and closed my eyes.

“Quinn.”

“I’ll try.” I opened my eyes again and tried to smile.

“All we can do is try.”