Ornon stepped into the space he had left by the king’s bed. He splayed his hand across the king’s face and slammed his head back hard against the pillow. Keeping his hand planted on the king’s face, he leaned over and roared into his ear, “The queen is fine!” Eugenides was still. The men around the bed froze as well. “Irene?” the king called. “She fainted. That’s all,” Ornon said more quietly.
