It took another two days before Zander could take the first few steps alone.
He was outside, hanging onto the stone balustrade of the back patio with one hand and trying to keep his balance as he took several hesitant steps.
Beads of sweat were rolling down his face. His fingers were white as he gripped the balustrade with herculean effort.
On that day, the first person to witnessed his huge triumph was Daran.
"Your Majesty, are you going to tell Mira?"
"Tell her what?" Zander looked disgusted. "That the husband who has sworn to protect and take care of her can barely walk two steps?"
He leaned against the balustrade, breathing heavily.
"I have to be able to walk again, Daran. Two days ago, when Mira ran out of the room crying, all I could do was sit there like a useless lump."
He glared at Daran with baleful eyes. "Do you know how I felt when I had to send Erick after her?"
