Phoebe's POV
A crushing wave of guilt slammed into me like a physical blow. My legs gave out, and I stumbled against the wall, using it to keep from collapsing completely. The overwhelming emotion hit me with the force of a bursting dam.
I could barely breathe under the weight of it all.
"Are you okay, my queen?" The warrior's voice reached me through the haze of pain. He stepped closer but kept his distance—touching royalty without permission was forbidden.
I lifted my head, knowing my face must look ghostly pale from the way his worry deepened.
'Yes, I'm fine,' I mouthed the words and nodded, hoping he could understand if my lips weren't clear enough.
After steadying myself, I straightened my spine and headed toward Marcela's room. Word had reached me that the healer had finally woken up. I prayed she wouldn't be sleeping when I arrived.
Relief flooded through me when I found her awake. Marcela had just finished eating when she spotted me.
