"The Maid said you had not eaten, I believe there was a bowl for you as well? Why don't you sit down and eat?" The Emperor asked raising an eyebrow at her. Kyera smiled as her stomach growled in protest. Her cheeks flushed in embarra.s.sment. He chuckled at her. "I think your stomach just weighed in on that."

Kyera lowered herself back into the chair and turned so she could drink the soup that had been brought up for her. She was actually quite hungry as she ate the noodles. She tried to eat as gracefully as she could but in the end hunger won out.

"You figured out what it was?" He asked nonchalantly, still sitting beside his beautiful wife. Kyera nodded as she finished the bite she was working on.

"Yes, it was something I had only seen once before. Shaman Half Eye had seen it years ago, in a neighboring kingdom. It was the first time I treated it. Luckily it's simple and can be dealt with using only basic supplies. In this case a silver needle and a knife." Kyera explained, not wanting to go into too much detail. He seemed to relent, and choose not go pry.

"What was the effect last time?" he asked after a few moments. Kyera sighed, looking at her with pity in her eyes.

"We got to him much faster, your Majesty. We were alerted within hours and happened to be nearby. Less than a day after the restless sleep began. He recovered completely." Kyera replied not wanting the Emperor to get false hope. She knew there was no way for the Empress to regain her mobility. Even if Half Eye was here and her father a.s.sisted, the control lines had been eaten away.

"I see. Since we wasted so much time… wait, I never gave the order to let folk healers see her…" the Emperor said as his eyes widened in realization. If he had his way… he couldn't bare to think of the consequences.

"Raina and Clovis sent for me, your Majesty. Your Granddaughter thought I could help. Just so happens she was right." Kyera replied calmly, knowing by his aura he was not angry with her. His anguish and self hate left room for nothing else.

"I am glad they had the sense to do so and you the skill to heal her. When will she wake?" he asked trying to move past the pain in his chest.

"I can not be sure. She's a strong woman but her body is so weak now. It may take a day or two." Kyera replied as she.picked up the second bowl and began stirring the still warm broth. After testing it to be sure it wasn't too hot, Kyera walked to the bed side. She set the broth and spoon on the small ornate bedside table.

The Emperor watched as Kyera lifted the Empress and slid her body behind her. Eves upper body rested against the healer's chest. She took the spoon and broth, blowing on the golden liquid. Kyera's focus was trained on Eve's throat muscles. Carefully she poured the soup into her mouth, the shadow energy forcing it down the correct tube, keeping the liquid from tainting her lungs. The process continued as the Emperor watched a bit indecisively.