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up, and the beast was standing in the doorway, staring at
me.
Every muscle in my body went limp. I knew I couldn't escape
from him even if I was well, and I certainly couldn't do it now, in
this condition. I closed my eyes and bowed my head, accepting the
inevitable.
When several minutes went by without a sound, I slowly lifted
my head. He was gone. I stared at the empty doorway in shock,
wondering if I'd dreamed it.
I drank more of the tea, and sat before the fire, trying to
recover my strength as rapidly as I could. But when darkness came, I
was no better. I staggered out to the garden. He was just changing,
and I turned away, unable to bear watching.
When I turned back to him, he was on his hands and knees,
trying to stand. I staggered over to him.
"Lie down on the rug, Highness, and I'll drag you to the
bath," I said, my voice hoarse beyond belief.
He shook his head, and managed to get to his feet, swaying a
little. I put my arm aroun
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