The World Was Hers For the Taking

Chapter Eighteen

The funeral happened the very next morning. My mothers body was sent to the sea and burned. I didn't cry because she wouldn't want me to. She always said death was a beautiful thing, that all our lives must come to an end.

My siblings could not make it the funeral because it was on such short notice, the letter wouldn't have gotten to them in time. I wish they could see her once more, like I could.

William and I walked arm in arm back to the castle. We didn't speak to one another, maybe because I didn't want to. But he was there, and that was all that mattered.

He walked me to my room and told me that if I needed anything, that he was there. I nodded and closed my door. I took my ink and quill and began writing a letter to my mother. She would never read it, of course, but I need to do something to remember how good she was to me when I start to forget her.

Dear Nevera Ayer or, better known as, my mother,
       You were an angel sent by God himself. My darling mother, you were taken too early from us and I will never forget the things you taught me. You carried the burden of being in a loveless marriage, but you never showed that sadness when you were with your children. You loved all people no matter the rank, you treated them as your equal and nothing less than that. I want to be the Queen you were, you showed kindness and compassion wherever you went. You never wished evil on a single soul and I still don't know how you were so strong. I took your advice with William. We're engaged, mother. I wish you could be at our wedding, but I know you'll be watching. I love you. You are my angel.

Your daughter,
Adelaide Villeret