Chapter 23

The room is filled with quiet sobbing and the fake sounds of nobles commenting on how King Joseph will be missed. I sit between Alekai and Queen Arabess in the front pew, the Queen sobbing silently beside me as she clutches my hand. Her black veil is covering her face from the guests in the room. Alekai sits stoically like a statue, his eyes staring at the portrait of the late king on the small stage, waiting for the funeral to start.

For the last seven days, Elisa and I prepared the funeral, only inviting close friends and relatives to the viewing, all while taking care of the grieving Queen and Prince Alekai. The day after the death of King Joseph, I tried to coax the Queen into eating some chicken soup, but she vehemently refused until Elisa mentioned I worked hard to ensure the Queen stayed nourished with this meal. Upon realizing I can cook and me explaining I was a culinary student before being captured and sold, Queen Arabess finally accepted the bowl of soup, especially after seeing Alekai slowly eat his own and ask for seconds. Since then, between planning the funeral, coordinating the work of the Palace with the staff and talking with the guards about security, I took care of all the meals for the two, Queen Arabess only trusting my cooking. Every so often, she would join me in cooking, looking for a distraction, one I gladly gave her.

Finally, the Priest walks in, and we all rise, both of my hands now clutched by Alekai and the Queen as the funeral begins. The Priest begins with a sermon, talking about how God loves all his creations and how King Joseph sits in heaven with his Holiness watching over us. Queen Arabess leans into me, taking deep breaths to control her sobs as she listens to the Priest. I give her a small smile, squeezing her hand reassuringly. I notice from the corner of my eyes that Linnate is glaring at me, hatred shining in her eyes, but I pay no heed to her. Alekai and his mother need me right now. I return my focus to the Priest, deep into another prayer. The funeral will be short and to the point, as suggested by the Queen.

"King Joseph was a wise King, one we will all remember. Let us pray for his soul, and may his reign live on..." the priest trails off, bowing his head.

“Forevermore.” The crowd mumbles in unison, concluding the service. His casket is then carried away by guards, with Alekai, Queen Arabess and I following behind before the rest of the crowd as we board a carriage. A funeral procession through the city will begin, the carriage with the casket starting from the chapel and ending at the royal burial ground on the other side of the city, where the late King will be laid to rest. After a long ride and another short walk to where the casket is lowered, we say our final goodbyes to King Joseph. I lead Alekai and his mother back to the carriages, where we are promptly driven to the Palace and ushered into the ballroom. The sombre mood of the funeral is evident as black decorates the tables, and the bright curtains adorning the windows are switched to heavy, black velvet pairs. I help Queen Arabess sit on her throne, but Alekai hesitates to sit on the one meant for the King. I encourage him since it will be his throne in a few days, after his coronation. A decorative chair is placed between the two, and I take my own seat, Elisa handing us a glass of water as the only maid trusted by the three of us right now, just as the guests arrive.

"I am so sorry..."

"Please accept my..."

“Please take your time to heal…”

The list of words said to the grieving mother and son are insincere, as few meant what they said. We all knew King Joseph was a horrible King, only helping the commoners when it suited him, but he was still our King and left behind a caring Queen who created the Charity ball to help the people. It takes everything in me not to roll my eyes when Linnate and her father step forward, expressing their deepest condolences. I watch as Linnate tries to step closer, but Adam stops her before she can even take one step, a look of annoyance flashing in her eyes. Of course, with Linnate being banned from the Palace, only special events allow her access, and I can tell how badly she wants to worm her way closer to the Queen and Prince Alekai, but I will not allow her. Queen Arabess and I have grown closer under these unfortunate events, and she has stepped up as a mother figure these last few days, even if she is grieving. I will not allow her to be harmed, and something inside me suspects Linnate had something to do with the King’s death.

The line of well-wishers finally ends with guests mingling amongst the crowd. I heave a sigh of relief, happy to be done with everyone. I smile and thank Elisa as she brings another glass of water for the three of us, the Maid standing just behind me as I take in the tired and haggard appearance of the two Royals beside me.

“Are you two ready to leave?” I ask, reaching out to squeeze Alekai’s hand.

“Yes, please, all this chatter is giving me a headache.” Queen Arabess agrees quickly, Alekai and I standing to help his mother to her feet and lead her out of the ballroom, with Adam and Elisa trailing behind us. Guards patrol the halls, nodding at us respectfully as we navigate the quiet corridors to the stairs, where we make our ascent to my little kitchen.

“Have the two of you eaten anything today?” I ask once Arabess settles into a sofa. Nova and Chaos instantly bound onto the seat beside her and snuggle into the woman.

“I had something small,” Queen Arabess answers.

“Not since yesterday.” I frown at Alekai, sighing as I lean down and kiss his cheek while he leans into the armchair by the fire.

“I’ll make something simple then.” With that, I quickly get to work on a simple lunch of baked chicken and salad with raspberry vinaigrette, serving a plate to Arabess and Alekai as Elisa dismisses herself to other work. I keep an eye on the Queen, watching her tired face light up as she enjoys her meal and plays with the pups, happy to see some form of emotion other than sadness and despair on her face.

“If you’d like, I let Elisa and Adam watch the pups normally, but I can leave the two with you on days Alekai and I need some alone time,” I suggest, seeing Queen Arabess’ face light up.

“I’d love that.”

“How about Lyra also teaches you how to bake and cook as well?” Alekai suggests, giving me a smile. I agree instantly, mentioning some treats Queen Arabess likes to eat that she can learn to bake.

“I will only agree to have you teach me on one condition.” Queen Arabess states, a stern look on her face.

“What is your condition?” I ask perplexed and worried.

“Call me Ara or Mother,” She smiles at me warmly, and I look at her in shock, turning to Alekai, who gives me a small nod of encouragement. I quickly leap to my feet, walking to Arabess and sitting beside her, taking her hand in mine.

“I can’t promise to call you Mother just yet, but I can call you Ara and Arabess if that is okay,” I state, feeling as if calling someone Mother is strange as I had lost mine young. A look of understanding crosses Arabess’ face before she pulls me into a hug, tears welling in my eyes at the motherly affection she is giving me.

“I can accept that. But one day, you’ll call me Mother. I just know it.” She whispers, and I nod as I hug her back. With a new understanding between Arabess and I, the two of us make the short walk to the kitchen where we spend the day baking. Alekai watches from the sidelines while Elisa brings some work for him to complete. I feel content, like I belong with these two as a family.