Royal Blood

Chapter Thirty Seven

Over the next couple of days, I pull myself together just enough to help organise my mothers funeral. It was decided that it would be held here in Inveress because the palace is still getting rebuilt after the attack so it is not suitable to move back into just yet.

I have been spending any free time that I have with Jasper and Max, trying to distract my mind from what is really going on. We spend our hours strolling through the grounds, talking about ways that we can possibly get the cure distributed to everyone who needs it. Max also mentions the idea of creating vaccination that prevents people from catching the disease in the first place. It is definitely something to think about.

I try and think about other things I should do as Queen other than just the major things like the cure, but nothing comes to mind yet. Maybe I need to get my mothers funeral out of the way before I truly feel like a queen.

The day of the funeral finally arrives along with men carrying big heavy cameras. Apparently it is a tradition for the funeral to be broadcasted to everyone in the country so they can mourn over her death. Personally, I do not think that many people will get upset over it, most will probably be jumping for joy. There are people scurrying around carrying vases upon vases of flowers, red roses, my mothers favourites.

My original plan was to stay in my room and let everyone else deal with all the arrangement but that soon changed. There I was, sat in front of my mirror attempting to get ready when I heard shouting from outside my door. I ventured out to see what was happening to see Louis arguing with one of the catering boys. After that, I soon found out that was one problem out of many.

The caterers had misread how many meals we actually wanted so we ended up being about ten short. People started turning when they were not suppose to and he florist has brought a mixture of red and white roses when I had specifically asked for only red. For the entire morning, I was running around after people, putting everything in place, making sure it is just right.

Finally at noon I am able to sneak away into my room again and get ready. I keep my hair simple by keeping it straight, along with minimal make up. My dress has been made specially for today. It has a zipper on the back and is skintight with a cape attached to it. It needed to be something that was appropriate but also makes a statement because it is the first outfit that I wear in public as the new queen... even though it is not technically official yet.

Standing in front of my floor length mirror, I take a deep breath in. This is it... the end.

"Your majesty, it is time." I hear Louis knock on the door and tell me.

"Thank you." I get up and make my way towards the door, slowly turning the handle with my shaking hands.

I am greeted with Jasper and Max standing there, both looking very smart in their black suits and shirts.

"We thought you might like some company." Jasper says to me.

"Thank you, I do not think I will be able to do this by myself."

"You don't have to. We will be here every step of the way." Max then says to me.

I smile at the two of them and then begin walking once again. The funeral is being held outside and luckily the weather is nice for us, there is a warm breeze blowing and the sun is high in the sky. Birds are tweeting in the trees with no cares in the world. How I wish I was them right now.

Already, most of the seats have been filled with people, some I recognise, some I do not.

"We'll see you after the ceremony." Jasper whispers in my ear, giving my hand a scream before he and Max take their seats in he back.