Peter straightened his outfit discreetly as they were escorted into the large room. He stared at the casket that was decorated with hydrangeas across the room. He never met his aunt Clara, or any of his aunts, for that matter. He still felt a great sense of mourning, though.
"That wicked hag is finally--" His mother was cut off by a group of royals sweeping by. He didn't look at his mother as they made their way deeper into the crowd. His mother, Queen Ava of Omma, was the fourth of the five sisters, blessed with the power of the earth.
She grabbed his arm and pointed his attention to a young maiden standing by a Duke that he didn't recognize.
"She's the Duke of Apsimar's daughter, and a great potential wife for you, dear son." The Queen lifted her chin.
Peter looked at his feet. He was always too busy to worry about his love life. He never liked the girls his mother tried to put him with, and with her rising frustration, he just stayed quiet.
He excused himself and made his way towards the casket. He looked at the face of his dead aunt, he could see the pain hidden under the makeup and relaxed features. He looked over at a girl approaching the casket.
She had a lovely black gown that complimented her lighter hair. She wore a beautiful crown that told him she was a princess, and her eyes told him she was Princess Alice, Daughter of Queen Clara of Astra. In more simple terms, his cousin.
There was a slight resemblance between them, but it would take the most observant or the most educated royal to notice. He stepped closer to the girl and bowed.
"I am very sorry for your loss, I wish I had met your mother sooner." He fought to keep his green eyes on the princess rather than look to see if his mother was watching him. When she said nothing, and only glanced at him, he straightened awkwardly and tried again. "May the gods keep her safe and loved in the afterlife."
That got her attention, but not the reaction he was expecting. She bared her teeth at him, "I know who you are, you're the son of Queen Ava. Don't think that because we're related that I will so quickly forgive your mother for taking part in driving my mother to suicide." She turned back to the casket.
He stared at her, wide eyed, then bowed low and retreated. He went to his Father and spent the rest of the evening in obedience.
YOU ARE READING
The Journey
FantasyAlice, Peter, Adam, Emma, and Hugh are the royal descendants of 5 sister queens, who happen to be enemies. After a great loss, the sisters must come together for a funeral. These queens may be enemies, but that won't stop their children from journ...
