That realization should've scared her, but instead it made her feel safe.
Zaar leaned down, pressed his lips to her ears. "We are broadcasting everything to the empire. My subjects have to see my parena walk out of this palace of traitors, injured but strong." He lifted her face and silver flashed in her view. Her sight in her swollen eye cleared up a little. He caressed her temple, her cheek. "Our doctor will help you on the ship."
She tried to smile, but her lips didn't want to stop trembling. "I'm all right." Her wounds were nothing compared to the five warriors following close behind them.
"You are brave, my parena," he said. The highest praise from a Zyrgin warrior.
He carefully traced the hurt flesh on her chin and her cheek and something terrible flashed in his eyes. "Be brave for a little longer, while we show our people our strength." He took her hand and led her through the corridors until they reached a gilded and bejeweled double door.