The Royals of Silvercrest

22

King Shane's POV:

Everything changed overnight.

The kingdom collapsed into chaos.

The Plague had entered the castle walls.

Not a soul knew where it had come from but by the time I was awoken in the dead of night, dozens were dead, then it doubled in a matter of hours.

Finally in the desire for company I had sent for Freydis only to find she'd also caught the illness and passed, dying slowly, with only her sister at her side.

Other than my Hand and Knightsman, I was boarded up in the castle alone.

Aid was given out when the riots and raids began.

Then the body count rose.

Knights stopped returning.

Soon enough I had to use what remainder I had to protect the castle.

Dragons protected the skies and our boarders.

The population was cut down by ten percent.

Then twenty.

In an attempt to protect my only heir, I sent Princess Ruby out of this estate and further up in the forest where the Plague had not hit.

The truth of the future rattled me.

I am a King with only a daughter for an heir.

My people are dying.

Will I only be known for my dragon riding?

Or the destruction of my people?

Even though I heavily mourn my wife and child, I know what I must do.

Once the Plauge has ended, I must wed again.

Chapter Twenty Three:

The Plague began with stomach pain and fever ending in the inability to eat or drink. It was merciless and painful. Thousands inside the kingdom fell. Towns were closed off. Those who were infected began to be mercifully executed on sight. Bodies were stacked by the dozens and burned by dragon fire in an attempt to keep the disease from spreading. Houses were boarded up, the sick bring shut in to die, some who weren't infected were trapped in as well, sharing the brutal fate. It only seemed to escalate...

King Shane's POV:

I walk quickly through the halls, my Knightsman marching close behind me.

Making my way to my chambers, my Knightsman posts himself to my door.

I enter my chambers to find another large stack of letters upon my desk.

Sitting down, I place the wax crest slightly above the candle flame and move it away before breaking the seal and opening the letter.

My King,

I come to you with this news not just as your humble servant but as your friend to inform you that Lady Susan has passed of Plague. I must be away from court whilst I find aid for mine own child, then I can return. I wish for your health and safety, my dear friend. Until we see one another again.

Lord Miles

I set the letter down and lean back with a sigh.

Ruby is going to be devastated.

I sit down writing a letter back to my closest friend, vowing to do whatever I can to aid him in his most difficult time as well as offering my condolences.

Setting these parchments aside, I open the next letter.

King Shane,

I come to you to inform and reassure that the betrothal with Princess Ruby and Prince Wesley is set to continue. The Plague has spread to our side of the lands as well and for the safety of all, it is in the best interest to postpone meeting u til it is safe and the Plague has dissipated. I do appreciate your support in this matter and of course, wish for you and your family to continue in good health.

King Cavaar

I feel a pang of sadness looking about the room I am in.

Dark and alone.

This room should have the laughter of my daughter, the joy of my wife and the giggles of my newborn baby son. This wasn't how it was supposed to be..

I stand up, making my way away from the desk and collapsing in bed.

What will fall first, my kingdom or myself?