You awaken at Castle Medden and the news isn't good

"You didn't have to hit him so hard. What if he never wakes up?" You hear an accusing voice ask as you fade back into consciousness. Looking to your side you see Duke Oliver Medden himself at the side of your room arguing with Akina.

"The king was not himself, had I not acted he and all with him would have died for naught. I sent for the royal healers before the siege began. If we manage to break it then we can get him the assistance he requires." Akina explained coolly but you knew her well enough to see she was embarrassed and a bit chargined at what she had done.

"That's only if your other letter went through as smoothly. My men can hold for now but with the amount of magic arrayed against us it will not be for long." He let out a deep breath. "If things look hopeless myself and my personal guard will ride out and create a distraction. You carry the only heir to the throne not in the damned dragonkins hands." Akina's demeanor broke for a moment as the Duke offered to essentially kill himself to ensure her ability to escape.

"Thank you. Milord." She said giving him a genuine bow, not the full one due to a king but still one of deep respect.

"Akina." You said weakly, your throat parched, it had obviously been some time since you had been knocked out and whoever had the responsibility of making you drink had gone for caution to avoid drowning you. Still Akina's ears twitched and she looked towards you before rushing over her face full of concern.

"King Bryce. I... I have failed you." She said, dropping to press her face to the ground in a clear sign of shame. One would never have guessed she was to be the mother of one of your children. Duke Medden approached and gave a more regal bow as befitted his station.

"Your majesty, how much did you hear?" He asked, his face a mask. He had nothing to fear you were grateful that he had taken you in at your time of need despite his feelings towards your wife.

"Most of it." You croaked causing Akina to rise and pour you a glass of water doing everything she could to avoid looking at you as you accepted it gratefully. Medden was polite enough to wait for you to wet your throat before he spoke again.

"Then you know our situation is dire. I have only heard what happened through your spymaster and the servants who made it back here. She should be the one to tell it as she has been the most coherent." Akina finally faced you and took a deep breath before launching into the tale of what happened after she had knocked you out.