The two men stood silently at the foot of Faye's bed, their eyes fixed on her sleeping form. The room was quiet except for the soft sound of her breathing. Faye's face was still and peaceful, but the remnants of her earlier distress were evident.
A red, puffy mark on her cheek showed where Sterling had struck her while she was in the throughs of blind madness. The Duke could smell the bitter medicinal herbs that hung in the air, mingling with Faye's faint scent. The men watched her for a few moments longer before quietly exiting the room, leaving her to her peaceful slumber.
Together, they ambled leisurely down the hallway towards Sterling's study. As they walked, Sterling turned to the doctor with an anxious expression and implored, "Please, doctor, help me understand what is ailing my beloved wife."
