Queen Zezanna

Queen Zezanna - Chapter 2

We try to set everything up as quickly as we can. By the end of the day after my father was murdered, we've got the funeral ready to go the next day. Everyone has been running around like wild, either helping us prepare for the funeral, or trying to find the man who killed him. The morning of the funeral, there's still no word on the murderer. I don't care what we have to do, we cannot let the murderer get away with this.

Brokk pulls me to the side just before the ceremony begins.

"My queen, are you certain this event will be safe for you to attend? The murder may strike again."

"Brokk, the murderer will not strike while there are so many people to see. They will try to get me when I'm alone. If they do try something here, there are countless people who can stop them. So long as your guards are doing their jobs, we have nothing to worry about."

"Yes, my queen." He bows. "I have been keeping a close eye on the workers and soldiers in the castle. I believe that I have narrowed it down to a dozen or so people who might have done it."

"Good. Just be careful not to kill someone innocent."

"Of course! You know that you can trust me, ma'am. I've been at your father's side since we were small. Emmaline is your closest ally, someone that you can trust with your life. To your father, that is who I was. You could not be in better hands."

"I know that. I just want to make some things very clear. I don't want innocent people dying, and I refuse to miss my own father's funeral. This things are important to me. Now, if that is all, I shall be taking my leave."

He bows to me, then leaves.

I meet up with Glarion and the pallbearers, who are waiting with the body in the throne room. The plan is to let the workers of the castle, including the guards and advisors, view the body. Once we've given everyone a chance to view the body, we will be moving out into the gardens. There's already a hole in the ground waiting for him, right next to his beloved wife. In death, they will forever be together.

Of course, we're still locked down, so the villagers cannot come in and view the body. We've set up memorials in the two nearest towns in order to allow the villagers to mourn him on their own time. I understand that many of them are busy working, or taking care of their children. Besides, it doesn't hurt us to leave the memorials up for a few days.

Once I'm certain that everything in the throne room is acceptable, we open the front doors, and allow everyone to come on in and get one final look at our beloved king.

After they pay their respects to my father, the mourners come over to me and make small talk. Many talk about how great my father was, and tell me that if I ever need anything, to just ask. They keep it short so the others have a chance to talk to me.

"I'm so sorry to hear about your father." One of the guards says, bowing to me.

"It will be tough without him, but we are a strong nation. We will continue on." I tell him. "You're one of the new guys, right? Rock or something?"

"Rosth." He corrects me. "Yes, your father hired me a few weeks ago. He's a great man, and his soldiers have treated me very warmly. Or... Your soldiers, I suppose. I swear to stand by your side forever, ma'am. I will protect you, and this beautiful nation, no matter what the cost."

"Good. We need men like you." I smile.

God. Someone needs to tell Brokk not to hire such hot guys.

Speaking of Brokk, he interrupts us before the talk can continue.

"My queen... A word, please?"

"Pardon me, Rosth." I say, heading over to talk to Brokk.

"No worries, ma'am. I should get back to patrolling the castle, anyhow." He shrugs, then leaves.