Chapter 49

Nickolas

My heart clenches as I hold Amelia’s lifeless body close to my chest, her once warm skin now growing cold against mine. I shake her gently, calling out her name in desperation, but she remains unresponsive. I don’t waste another second and sprint towards the castle. My chest tightens at the thought of her never opening her eyes again, her beautiful blue eyes that draw me in without me even realizing.

Upon bursting into the castle, I waste no time commanding the guards to fetch Beatrice and bring her to Amelia’s room without delay. With trembling hands, I lay Amelia’s body gently on the bed, feeling a surge of helplessness wash over me as I watch her pale form against the sheets.

Beatrice arrives swiftly, her eyes widening in shock the moment they land on me. I’ve sustained some injuries while fighting—an arrow lodged in my shoulder that’s not healing because it was coated with oak tree venom. But I’ll be fine.

“Your Majesty,” Beatrice exclaims