Back at the palace, Cedric still lay unconscious. Rebecca had accompanied Julian to visit him once again, and while the little boy sat faithfully beside the bed speaking to the man who had yet to awaken, she remained quietly nearby, watching them with a mixture of hope and worry.
"Lord Cedric... I learned another sword move today. Don't you want to see it?"
The boy waited for an answer that never came before continuing with the same unwavering hope that had kept bringing him back each day.
"Mother says you'll wake up soon... When you do, we'll be able to play sword fights again."
His small voice remained filled with innocent confidence as he looked at Cedric's pale face, completely believing that the man would open his eyes sooner rather than later.
It was then that the physician entered the room, and Rebecca greeted him before he returned the greeting with a small nod.
