Cesare remains propped against several pillows, his body supported almost entirely by the servants and healer around him. Even after waking, he can't maintain his posture for more than a few seconds. Months of complete immobility have left his muscles weak and stiff, and every attempt to move brings a deep, unfamiliar ache through his arms, back, and legs.
The healer has already warned everyone not to rush his recovery. His body needs time to remember how to perform movements that once required no thought at all. For now, even holding his head upright for too long leaves him exhausted.
Cesare seems barely aware of it. His attention remains fixed on the people surrounding his bed, trying to understand where he is and why everything feels so unfamiliar.
