A thin sheet of cloth draped over her, covering everything except the cascade of hair spilling across the pillow. She lay on her stomach, back turned toward him.

With a ragged breath, he staggered forward and lowered himself onto the edge of the bed. Why was she lying like this? Her hair veiled her face, hiding it from him.

The doctor, lingering near the quiet hum of machines, stepped out silently, granting the king his privacy.

Marcello’s hand trembled as he gripped the sheet and ...