With the pain she felt, Ely moved slowly. She was assisted by Ezekiel as she sat properly on the stone bed.
Ely embraced her son tightly. "My son… I… I'm sorry if I'm not able to attend your birthday feast."
When he heard this, Ezekiel got teary-eyed. He gripped her hand and said, "From now on, I want you to be present on all my birthdays. Okay?"
But he pondered to himself. Was it his fault that his mother came to Leoniva? Because it was his birthday?
No. If only the rebels took care of her properly, she would not have to suffer. Everything was the Rebel King's fault.
Then, a voice suddenly echoed in that cave. "Ely… Elizabeth!"
The Ballad Queen recognized the voice. It was her beloved Maro.
"Maro…!" She stood up, but felt weak because of the pain from the wounds in her legs.
Ezekiel assisted her and shook his head. "Don't go to him."
"But Kiel-"
But when Maro reached the entrance, Ezekiel suddenly dashed forward, pointing a sword at him.
