Lyra's POV
I made my way to the dungeon, and every warrior there froze when they spotted me. Jasper and Tobias quickly stepped forward, explaining why I'd come.
"But we need the king's permission... I'm not sure it's wise to let you enter, my queen," the guard stammered, shooting nervous glances at Jasper and Tobias.
They'd all heard what had happened to my personal warriors. They'd barely escaped Caelum's fury because I'd begged for their lives. But these guards? They were just foot soldiers—the lowest rank. They knew I wouldn't plead for them the way I had for Jasper and Tobias.
I got it. I assured them they could report this to Caelum if they wanted, then pushed past them toward the dungeon.
After some back-and-forth and Jasper's reassurances, they finally let me through to see Arthur.
He sat in the same grimy cell, looking like hell. Dirty, hollow-eyed, broken.
I'd never pictured my father like this. He used to be so put-together, always pristine. Now he reeked.
