Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 13)

Ky actively refused to visibly acknowledge them. Where had they all come from? There were so many now.

She needed to throw up. She made it to the end of the hall on the second floor before she had to stop her trek to throw up the meager contents of her stomach. She rinsed her mouth with the tea then set it aside and weakly staggered for the stairs.

Gaius was about ready to get a servant to bring him something to help him sleep. Morphine, preferably. He couldn't bear being awake knowing what he knew now. It wasn't fair; his father was supposed to be done ruining his life.

Ky made it to the dining hall and braced herself, forcing her expression to become neutral, then poked her head in.

Most people were still eating and chatting, including Tomhas, Sara, and the children. Sera and Rickard were also still there.

Fuck.

Tadaaki and his family were too. He looked up immediately when she cracked the door. She shook her head ever so slightly at him before looking at her aunt. “Sara?”

Sara looked up, attentive immediately to the fact that Gaius had not joined Ky. "Yes, Ky, what can I do for you?"

“Could I talk to you for a minute?” She asked, voice quiet. She made no move to enter the room or even to pull the door the rest of the way open.

"Of course." She stood and made her way over to Ky. "What's the matter?"

“Nothing.” She glanced around the rest of the room. “Just uh… wanna talk.” She forced a small smile and stepped the rest of the way into the hall, waiting for Sara to join her.

She followed her out of the room, glancing over her shoulder. "What's the matter?" she asked softly. "Is it Gaius?"

Ky nodded. “He’s in his office and wants you.”

"Thank you for telling me." She dipped her head. "How bad is it?"

“Pretty bad,” she murmured, moving towards the stairs.

Sara nodded and followed after her. "What happened to cause it, do you know?"

“He, um… asked me not to share details,” she murmured, walking quickly.