Gethrod stepped closer to the bed, his earlier arrogance was completely gone. Every movement he made now was careful, respectful, almost nervous.
He leaned closer to Eliora, studying her breathing first, then her pulse at her wrist.
His brows slowly furrowed. "Strange," he murmured.
Very gently, he reached toward the scarf wrapped around her head and face.
"I need to see..."
A low growl filled the room instantly.
Gethrod froze. Every instinct in his body screamed at him to stop.
Zarek's eyes had darkened, faint traces of red flickering within them as he stood beside the bed.
"Do not touch her covering," Zarek warned.
Gethrod slowly lifted both hands away, nodding quickly.
"My apologies, Your Majesty," he said. "I meant no disrespect. I only wished to examine her properly."
Zarek stepped closer, placing one hand protectively near Eliora's head.
"You may examine her," he said. "But her face remains covered."
