Varkas, who had been handing a bundle of parchment containing the identities of the dead to a priest, turned his head and looked at her.
Talia hurriedly lowered her gaze.
Under the summer sunlight, every detail of her appearance was laid bare. Suddenly, she felt unbearably shabby and could not bring herself to hold her head high.
"It appears the Second Imperial Princess requires immediate treatment. I would ask that the formal entry procedures be waived."
The magician from House Taren who had stopped before Varkas spoke politely.
When no answer came at once, Talia lifted her eyes again.
Varkas was staring directly at her, a faint crease etched between his brows.
Did it seem strange that a woman who used to cause an uproar whenever anyone touched her was sitting so quietly?
His narrowed eyes dissected her pale face.
Then his gaze slowly descended.
The cold look lingered briefly on the hand supporting her back and the one cradling the backs of her knees before moving lower, toward the limp calf hanging beneath her skirt.
Apparently spotting the dark reddish stain spreading across the bandages, the furrow between his brows deepened.
Immediately, a questioning look flew toward the magicians of House Taren.
Ignoring it, the magician continued smoothly.
"I'm certain His Majesty will understand if the Second Imperial Princess proceeds directly to her residence."
"Yes. Take the child away at once."
A clear voice suddenly answered in place of the silent Varkas.
Turning toward the speaker, Talia's face stiffened.
Leading a group of maids across the crowded square was Aila.
Stopping beside Varkas, she looked down at Talia with an expression of gentle concern.
"She has endured a difficult journey while already in poor health. It would be best for her to receive treatment and rest as soon as possible."
Talia clenched her teeth.
Humiliation surged through her at that warm, pitying gaze.
If she had been capable of moving even a finger, she would have gouged those eyes out without hesitation.
Whether she knew what was boiling inside her or not, Aila simply smiled softly and rested a hand upon Varkas's forearm.
"I shall explain everything properly to His Majesty."
Then she gracefully turned and urged Varkas forward.
"Come. We should go in now. His Majesty is waiting for us."
Only then did the man who had been standing motionless begin to move.
Talia watched his retreating figure with lingering eyes.
Then she slowly lowered her eyelids.
The magicians passed through the main palace and entered a vast garden overflowing with flowers.
Soon afterward, a magnificent building adorned with extravagant decorations swallowed her whole.
Talia felt as though she were being drawn into the entrails of some enormous monster.
Crossing a marble hall in moments, the magicians climbed a staircase and entered Senevier's study.
After passing several massive bookshelves lined with hundreds of volumes, a hidden passage concealed between columns revealed itself.
As though entirely familiar with the route, the magicians entered without hesitation.
Soon, Senevier's laboratory appeared before them.
Talia frowned at the overpowering scent of oils and medicinal herbs that muddled her thoughts.
"Lay her here."
Striding across the laboratory, one magician threw open a door beside a display cabinet.
Though she had visited this place many times, she had never once entered that room.
The man carrying her set her down on a bed positioned in the center.
Talia looked around uneasily.
The spotless room was filled with strange instruments she had never seen before.
After inspecting them, she turned her attention back to the two magicians.
They were arranging unfamiliar pieces of equipment across a table.
Is this how a calf feels when it enters a slaughterhouse?
Cold sweat soaked the back of her neck.
Had she not still been under the effects of magic, she would have been screaming.