"Hmmm!" The King emitted an inquisitive hum, drawing his attention away from his wife and acknowledging her with a nod. Seemingly synchronized by an unspoken signal, the Queen turned her gaze to me and posed her question, her intent clear as she asked, "And the woman you're carrying—did you arrive here together, or did you meet her here?" Her focused gaze locked onto mine, awaiting my response.
While her question struck me as somewhat strange, I found it oddly understandable given the context and understood the underlying curiosity she was expressing.
"Yes," I affirmed with a nod, "She came here with me as well. But, she's not in the best condition, as you can see," I added with a tinge of concern in my voice.
My journey through the mountain had extended for several hours, blurring the sense of time and making it feel like days had passed. The surging Vylkr energy within me had been intensifying, further amplifying my discomfort.
