The Mad King's Throne

XVI. The Journy Ahead

Beatrice within her chambers prepared her belongings and called for Cadman. As soon as Cadman heard the queens request he made hast to her chambers.

"You've sent for me?"

Cadman still loyal to the aging queen smiled when he saw her. However she had sorrow.

"Cadman, could you help me gather my things?"

Cadman worried at the queens request looked at her now with a frown she looked at him and smiled.

"It's time Cadman."

Cadman in disbelief tried to make since of it all.

"You're really passing the throne to Marcus?"

Beatrice turned to the window she had fulfilled her purpose to the kingdom however deep inside she felt like she had failed somehow.

"I've done what I could. Besides I think the people are tired of me."

"Where are you going?"

Cadman asked concerned for her safety.

"I'm looking for answers. I'm starting with the cult of the daughters of Nera."

Cadman once again in disbelief.

"Cult of Nera? My queen that might be a mistake you can't come back from. Nera with all due respect is a jealous god.
I'm coming with you to make sure you are safe."

Beatrice turned to Cadman and smiled she always could rely on Cadman even through all these years however times have changed and Beatrice has to walk a deferent path.

"I truly I'm grateful for all you have done and still do. Through all those times with Mordecai wether it be bad times or good times you still were there for me. But our journey together has come to an end I must walk this final path in this final chapter of my life alone."

Cadman teared up and Beatrice reached in for a hug.

"Cadman? I want you to look after Marcus."

Cadman looked at her and nodded

"I will my queen."

Beatrice gathered her things which weren't many items and she left her chamber. She thought to her self as she walked the empty corridors that this was her final goodbye to this place. She considered on staying to look after the new king however her time spent here as been long and stressful. Far to long has she took care of thing around her both her husband and kingdom later the next heir all while juggling a kingdom at war. Beatrice knew that Marcus can end the war however war will still linger for awhile. As she exited the front entrance she saw on a metal spike the head of the late Conrad on the top with the plaque reading "This be a warning to those who oppose your new king."

Beatrice looked away from the head of her former friend she did feel sorry for Conrad after all he had been a friend of hers way before her marriage to king Mordecai. But it was the big price to pay to betray his fellow people's. Beatrice still had hoped that his death wouldn't have to come but given the circumstances it had gotten out of her control. As Beatrice reached the steps that lead from the keep and into the city a faint voice could be heard from the distance behind her.

"Wait!"

Beatrice turned around and noticed Claudia running down the steps.

"You can't leave."

She said trying to catch her breath.

"Is something the matter my dear?"

Beatrice said hoping Marcus wanted to say goodbye.

"I don't know what to do with him. He's deferent I need your help."

Beatrice frowned knowing what she was talking about.

"Be with him don't leave his side. Times will get tough. When I figure this out I promise I will fix this."

And with those words Beatrice left Claudia stood there crying watching as she despaired into the fog. Winter comes and the city is covered in a blanket of snow the new king reigns over his kingdom still broken as war continues and the remaining rebel vassals seek a new leader to replace Conrad. Marcus sits on the mad throne as the people watch and wait for what is to come of this new king, The Bastard King...