Of all things, the look of a priest’s robes was the least of their problems. Kyleigh started to cry before the priest could open his mouth. Glais took her hand. Not looking at his mother but offering his support as best he could, Evangeline was witness to grief that she could be included in. She did not feel right in taking Kyleigh’s other hand but did not complain when Kyleigh rested against her slightly.
“We have gathered to witness the passing of a man who had to lead our people to victory for many years. The good graces of Xado had delivered King Quintus to us, and so now it is the right time to take him away so that he may serve in greater things.” The priest paused as in unison the gathered crowd praised Xado with a simple declaration of – in his name.
“In his passing Quintus leaves his wife and two children, Glais and Adeline…” At the princess’ name, Evangeline suddenly realised that the princess had not been seen earlier.
Glais caught her attention over his mothers’ head. “She could not bear it.” He mouthed, and Evangeline nodded, looking back towards the front. Adeline could barely manage the service of her brother. The loss of her father would be more than enough to keep her in bed.
“Who are reminded at this time.” The priest continued. “That their father was a brave soul who proved his worth many times here with the living, so he would not need to show it in death.”
“In his name.” came the chorus of those gathered.
“And so, in the time of grief, we celebrate the life that was and bring attention to the natural order of this world. Xado works for the will of the people, and for the people Xado provides.” The priest placed his hand over his heart as the group said “in his name” a final time.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
A fter the funeral, life in the castle had attempted to regain the natural flow. There was much to be said in the war strategy room, and since Glais was consumed with the running of their Kingdom, Evangeline instead went to check on Kyleigh. Family breakfast no longer occurred, and while Evangeline was glad for it, she knew how much it meant to Kyleigh to have those few minutes alone with her children.
She stopped outside the bedchamber of the King and Queen. Soon it would become her new rooms, and Kyleigh would be moved to humbler lodgings within the castle, but there was no rush in making his happen. Evangeline would never dream of asking Kyleigh to evacuate the rooms simply for tradition. She would allow the Queen to move on her own time if such a thing ever happened at all.
Evangeline knocked on the door, and at the Queen's answer, she entered. Several trunks laid by the door, one laying opened and half-filled on the table as Kyleigh continued folding clothes into it.
“Kyleigh, what is all of this?” Evangeline asked, gently closing the door behind her, scared that sudden noises might spook the queen in her current delicate state.
Kyleigh paused, picking up a necklace and running her hand over the polished stone. The large onyx set in a diamond of gold looked heavy, but Kyleigh treated it as if it was fragile and close to breaking. Evangeline touched her own ring of gold and onyx and realised this was the symbolism from Quintus to his wedded wife, much like the ring had been a gift from Glais when she first arrived. “I thought Glais would have told you,” Kyleigh answered.
“There is no rush to leave these rooms vacant for us,” Evangeline said, looking around quickly and realising that the place catered two separate bedrooms. She looked away, knowing the reason for it and yet not ready to be confronted by the idea of Glais taking his meals so close to where she slept.
“I am returning to Eoboven,” Kyleigh said, adding the necklace to the luggage.
“Eoboven?” Evangeline asked. “Your home country?” Kyleigh nodded. “Oh please, do not do that.” Evangeline rushed her words, but Kyleigh just smiled at her.
“It will only be for a few months,” Kyleigh promised, touched by Evangeline’s concern. “I need time to digest all that has happened here, and I cannot do that with reminders of all I have lost.” Evangeline nodded. She understood, but it saddened her to think that Kyleigh would not be here. “I am taking Adeline with me.” The Queen added.
“I am sure she will like that,” Evangeline said, but not sure if the princess would agree. From what she had heard from Sable, the princess had refused to eat much of anything except simple foods since her father’s death. “A change of scenery can do wonders.”
Kyleigh snorted at her suggestion. “If I could think of any other way Evangeline, I would take it.” She confessed. “But Glais needs no further distractions, and Adeline needs me more than ever.”
“I will miss you,” Evangeline said, and the women embraced quickly, but something was lacking in the way Kyleigh held her. She could not think of what it was, and so Evangeline stayed quiet on the unease. “You will always have a place here in Braykith. I will make sure of that.”
Kyleigh nodded. “There is so much for you to make sure of, Evangeline. Be ready for those challenges.” The former Queen moved past her daughter-in-law without looking back. Collecting a simple carrying bag and her cloak she left the room, and Evangeline had a feeling it may be the last of Kyleigh she could ever see.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank my readers for their patience with the release of this book. After making the tough decision to cut Delusions of Loyalty in half because of length, it took way longer to formalise this book then I imagine. So, thank you. This is not the end of the story folks. I hope the next one doesn’t take as long as this to get released.
Always, much love to my family, and especially my two little boys for their bottomless support and understanding. I know my writing takes me away from you, but it also keeps Mummy sane so let’s keep up with this compromise.
To my betas, Sarah and Ben - as always I could not do this without you . Eternally in your debt - xoxo
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