The Dead war.

Chapter Twenty-Two: Victoria

It was Umbris tradition that if someone of great value passed away a fire celebration would be held, it didn't matter if it was one of the people or a guard. No matter who it was, if the person who died was valued in any way we would hold a ceremony in remembrance of the life that was lost. As an Umbrisan we valued our people and our family. Our people were our livelihood and our reason for being. Everyone is important in their own way, you didn't have to be royalty or rich or famous in Umbris if you lived and loved you were valued and important and you would always receive the absolute best send off anyone could ever get.

I woke up that next morning and stood at the window, I saw the people crying and gathering around hugging each other. My mother was an amazing woman. She always made sure everyone was safe and happy and had plenty of food even if it meant that she did not eat that night. The people loved my mother, tears stung my eyes as I walked away from the window. I walked to my bed and pulled out a box. I brushed the top of the box off and pulled out a black silk and shimmery dress. It was long and drafted when you walked. It has long sleeves that sit off the shoulder and a mermaid style dress. My mother was never one for traditional dresses and always wanted the best. I pulled the dress up onto my body and it hugged all the right places and the sleeves went down to my wrist and hung off the shoulder. The maid came in and curled my long black hair hair and pulled back two pieces from the front and interlaced them With my mother's favorite flowers black dahlias. My hair was long and beautiful. It lay beautifully just barely covering my bottom. They had placed a small amount of makeup stuff we had in Umbris to cover the bruises and dark bags under my eyes. Once I was finished I stood up and walked towards the mirror. I looked in the mirror and what I saw was my mother. Not melody but Queen Victoria. I knew I wasn't her biological daughter but I definitely looked like my mother. I took a deep breath and put on my black flat shoes because my mother didn't believe in heels. Looking at mordern fashion from what my daugher showed me my mother was more modern then she thought she was. I picked up the small fabric that hung lay on the ground and walked to my fathers office. I knocked and he turned as I opened the door. As soon as he looked at me tears welled up in his eyes.

"You look so much like your mother serena." He said hugging me tightly and pulled away to look at the dress and my hair and makeup.

"Thank you daddy." I hugged him tightly and he held out his arm for me.

"Shall we?" He asked calmly. I nodded and held his arm and walked holding a part of my dress so I wouldn't trip. We walked down the long stairs of the palace and when we entered the world I was met with brisk morning air and the dew on the grass and the beautiful smell of flowers. My father took a deep breath before we continued down the path. Everyone turned and gasped and pointed at me as I smiled softly and nodded at our people. When we got to the base of the palace a wooden box lay on top of sticks and branches. We approached the box we stopped and my father let go of my arm.

"Today is a day for sorrow and for celebration, the queen of Umbris my wife and Serena mother passed away from murder last night, she was loved and admired by so many people. She was the light in most of our lives and a savior to most. She made sure everyone felt special and no one was left out. She made sure our kids were happy and our men and women had enough to survive. She made sure that everyone who passed was celebrated and today we get to honor her memory by doing the same. Today is a bittersweet day. As you can all see our sweet princess and future queen of Umbris returned to us last night after three and a half years missing. She saved me and many others in Umbris by her bravery and courage to fight for what she knew was right. The pain and hurt we feel today is unmatched, a valued woman and mother was lost and a daughter returned. We will mourn the life we have lost but we will never cease to find happiness every day." My fathers voice was strong it Carried authority and well as compassion. My mother and father were perfect to raise and protect a kingdom. After my fathers talk everyone clapped and cheered. My father then turned to me and I took a  deep breath and sighed.