Thane kept his eyes on the queen, confusion written all over his face. Then, he wrapped his palm over the queen's and gave her a gentle squeeze.
"Forgive me," he muttered, "The baby... is dead."
The queen narrowed her swollen eyes and turned to look at the baby on her abdomen. When her gaze fell upon the baby's bleeding chest, she shook her head.
"No... It can't be... No..."
Her eyes watered, and she let out another sad wail, which rang through the entire tower. Her voice was low and sorrowful, and the sound made Prince Jirel's heart wrench.
Her energy spent, the queen turned to Thane once again. She held tightly to his sleeve, her eyes narrow and reddened from endless sobbing.
"Bring her back..." she coughed, blood spurting from her lips. "Please... she's... our only heir."
Thane bowed his head low, and let out a soft sigh.
"I'm sorry..." he said, "It's too late."
