After the bath, Ulrich felt noticeably better.
The hot water had eased the stiffness in his muscles and drawn some of the ache from his shoulders and back.
For the first time since the battle, he did not feel as though his body might collapse beneath him with every step.
What he wanted most was sleep.
Another long, uninterrupted stretch of sleep beneath warm blankets, without physicians, guards, nightmares, or anyone trying to ask him questions.
Ulrich resisted the urge.
He had spent enough time unconscious already.
Instead, he dressed in clean clothes and made his way toward the dining hall for breakfast.
The Estate was fully awake now.
Servants moved quietly through the corridors, though many of them lowered their eyes the moment they saw him. Ulrich ignored the looks. He knew what they were staring at. The empty sleeve at his left side made it difficult for anyone to pretend nothing had changed.
