Red Roses

When the kingdom as a whole learned of the queen's passing, silence descended. People in the town were silently grieving. The unexpected news completely devastated the kingdom. They were more uncertain on whether to rejoice in the happy marriage and the birth of the legitimate heir or lament the terrible passing. The wilted flower decorations were replaced with new, fresh ones, as the prince Ezekiel had instructed. Red roses were all over the town, towns, markets, and the entire castle, just how queen Diona liked it. It appeared as though the map would be red if someone were to view the country from orbit. To save time, the word reached the north and east kingdoms by an eagle.

The news didn't go over well with King Paulson of the East because Diona was his only daughter and the person he loved the most. He gave the immediate command for everyone to leave everything and get the carriages ready to travel to the Josen kingdom. Thoughts of his only daughter, whom he raised, caused him to stifle his cries. He occasionally found it difficult to keep up with his impulsive and mischievous daughter, but those days are long gone.

The figure was kept for two days. The maidens regularly cleaned the queen's body as part of their care. While the body was kept in a glass box, the maidens changed the queen into her wedding attire. The king resisted leaving the room; he kept himself shut within, only opened the door when food was delivered, and avoided eye contact with anyone. Prince Ezekiel was waiting at the door with a tray because he had decided to personally deliver the food to the king today. The king didn't respond after one knock, two knocks, or three knocks. The Prince sighed heavily and continued to knock.

"Ezekiel, the door is open."

Ezekiel was taken aback by the response, as it was unclear how the king knew it was him. He pushed the door open cautiously. The room was pitch black. Only a small amount of light from the window illuminated the room. The king sat on the bead, facing the wall. Only one side of his face was visible to Ezekiel. He sat alongside the king and placed the tray on the bedside table.

"We're preparing the burial today, after we introduce your child to the kingdom." Ezekiel said while looking at the king, whose face was devoid of emotion.

"What about your wedding reception?"

"It's not important right now." In response, the king nodded.

The room was deafeningly quiet; neither the king nor the prince spoke. The uneasy stillness was broken when a guard knocked on the door and requested the prince. Ezekiel nodded, stood up, and went, patting the king on the shoulder in sympathy.

"Prince, King Larson of the North has arrived."

"What about the east?"

"They'll be here in a moment, prince."

Ezekiel approached the King Larson, who was waiting in the dining room. At the abrupt dearth of words, he hugged the king, who stroked his back comfortingly. The king informed him that he had brought their belongings and those of Princess Savannah from the north, pointing to the items put on the corner. Ezekiel directed one of the guards to shift the belongings in his room.

"How is Alaric doing?" King Larson inquired.

"I have no idea what he must be going through right now."

King Larson asked no further questions because it was clear from Ezekiel's eyes and tone that the kingdom was saddened by the unexpected demise of the queen. A little while later, King Paulson appeared, looking as if he was about to cry. As he approached the prince, he slipped on his steps. He greeted everyone and appeared to be waiting for an answer.

"We'll bring her with us. Please be patient until that time." Everyone nodded as Ezekiel spoke.

"Where is the child?"

Ezekiel opened his mouth to say something but stopped as he saw Savannah approach with the infant in her arms, lovingly cradling her. When they saw Savannah with the infant, they cracked a faint smile. As all of the family arrived, it was almost time to announce the infant to the kingdom, and the village people gathered outside the castle to catch their first glimpse of the baby. As everyone waited, the advisor instructed them to proceed to the balcony, and the prince nodded.

"Have you come up with a name yet?" King Larson inquired. The prophet Ezekiel shook his head.

"Yes."

Everyone turned around in surprise as they saw the king dressed up. His eyes was expressionless and lifeless. He didn't appear as vibrant and cheery as he used to, and he wore a severe expression as he made his approach towards Savannah. Looking at the little child sleeping peacefully brought a small smile to his face, and he stretched his arms to hold the baby. Ezekiel was both surprised and relieved to see his brother and nodded to Savannah. Alaric carried the baby tenderly and moved towards the balcony, everyone trailing behind him. The residents of the town praised the king and even cried a little. They fell silent after Alaric lifted his hand.

"To announce that is sad for everyone assembled here." The king took a moment, fighting the impulse to sob. "Our queen's sudden death. She struggled to give birth to this child. She gave the infant her entire life. The queen would never want to see anyone cry, therefore I kindly ask that you all appreciate this time."

The entire population praised the king. Even though they were taken aback by the king's severe speech, they gave him encouragement by praising him. "Princess Aura of the Josen Kingdom, the child of Queen Diona and King Alaric of the Josen Kingdom, is here to be greeted." Everyone in the village shed tears as they applauded for the king and the newborn. Rose petals were being thrown into the air by people.

"And." Once more, King Alaric spoke. "I'm delighted to announce," Ezekiel and Savannah were directly behind him when he turned to look at them. He motioned for them to approach. They approached the king side by side "And welcome to our family, princess Savannah. Please send your good wishes to the newlyweds, Savannah Princess of the North and my younger brother Ezekiel." The new couple and the king were congratulated and applauded by the villagers. Even though they were taken aback by the unexpected announcement because it wasn't in the plan, Ezekiel and Savannah waved at the crowd. "The queen wished to joyfully commemorate these occasions. Don't ruin it for her, please. I'm sure she's content wherever she is." The king lost all control, and as the villagers clapped for Queen Diona, a single tear trickled down his cheeks. He waved at the residents while wiping the tear from his thumb. "I'm grateful," As tears streamed down Alaric's cheeks, he made his way inside.

Alaric greeted the visitors, requested their comfort, and gave the royal attendants orders to give them food and tend to their necessities.

"The funeral, brother?" Ezekiel enquired.

"I'll let you know later this evening." Alaric excused himself and headed for the child's chamber. The celebration continued despite having a sorrowful heart. Despite the grief, people respected the king's actions and relished the new happiness. Once the lavish feast had been given to every home, the celebration was done. The king had been spending his time up until that point with his daughter in his personal chamber, recalling the argument they had once had over the child's name.

"Georgia!" After giving it some thought, Alaric yelled, causing the queen to gasp.

"We're not going to name our daughter Georgia." She answered. " And we have no idea if it is a boy or a girl."

"I know it's a girl, and Georgia, what's the matter with Georgia?"

"I don't know, I just don't like it that way," The Queen gave it some thinking. " I want the name to be both endearing and strong." The king nodded before resuming his thoughts. "Suppose it's a boy. What do you intend to call him?"

"A name as strong as mine." The king said while proudly holding up his head. The queen laughed while furrowing her brows.

"Yes, of course."

While keeping an eye on her, Alaric threw a pillow in her general direction, but she caught it before it could strike her. "Easy, Alaric. I'm with a child." She said this while draping her hands over her still-flat stomach in a dramatic manner. When Alaric had the chance, he began pursuing the queen within the chamber. The room was filled with their giggling and teasing. "Okay, I give up," She was laughing so loudly that she laid on the bed trying to regain her breath. Alaric sat down next to her and gently touched her face before kissing her gently on the head. "Do you recall how, when we received the news, the aura abruptly changed? It was quite emotional, but I also had a lot of intense emotions." As he listened to the queen, Alaric smiled and nodded. " I want to give her or him a name that is both delicate and strong."

"We'll come up with something," She closed her eyes while Alaric spoke in her ear and gently stroked her head. Sleep for the time being." They both fell asleep cuddled in each other's arms while smiling ear to ear.

"I hope you like the name." Looking at the baby who was soundly dozing in his arms, Alaric spoke in a whisper. As he had to leave for the funeral rites, he laid the baby on the bed and requested that the head maiden watch after her. "I promise to return soon." After speaking and kissing Aura on the forehead, he exited the room. Ezekiel, King Larson, and King Paulson were supposed to be waiting for him at the court, so he moved in their direction.

As Alaric entered the room and seated on his throne, everyone got up from their seats to bow themselves before the king. Alaric coming out of his room was a relief, but Ezekiel was worried since he seemed serious. "For the burial, we'll go to the forbidden land." The forbidden land, where the queen first met the king, was a spot she always cherished, and it was where she intended to be buried.

"Forbidden land?" Given that the largest horror occurred there a few months ago, Ezekiel had some doubts about it. Why then did the king choose that location for the ritual?

"Yes." He spoke. "Get the carriages ready." Without waiting for any pass, he made his announcement and left the courtroom. Everyone was surprised by his abrupt behavior shift, but they all recognized it was because he must have taken it hard.

Within a few minutes, the carriages were ready, and it was time to bid the queen a final farewell. In the courtroom, where everyone had assembled to say goodbye, the glass box containing the queen was lowered. The king, who was carrying Aura, maintained his composure the entire time. They arrived one by one to see the queen one last time. Tears and sobbing could be heard throughout the courtroom. Heads down, the guards and courthouse attendants surrounded the chamber.

King Paulson lost control of his emotions as he stared at Diona's lifeless figure and erupted in front. He knelt down and uttered a whisper. "My daughter, it hurts to watch you so silent." Ezekiel gave him a consoling pat on the shoulders and assisted him in standing. "Be happy wherever you are." He stepped back after placing a red rose on the foot.

In addition to placing the red rose, Ezekiel and Savannah said goodbye. Even the maidens and the guards, who gave her crimson roses, said their goodbyes as King Alaric stood at his post. Because red was the queen's favorite color, everyone carried a red rose to give to her. After everyone had finished, Alaric got down and sat next to the glass box. "You may now relax. You've done a lot." He placed the crimson rose as well while hushing himself. The king motioned for them to place her in one of the carriages as they headed into the forbidden area. During its transit through town, villagers showered the carriage with red rose petals. To say that the people of the Josen kingdom adored the queen would be an understatement. The trip took the entire evening, and by the time they arrived at the location of the queen and king's first encounter, it was almost night.

As the king observed the very tree that the queen had hidden behind that day, old memories began to flood his mind. The ceremonies that followed were performed in quiet. The king suggested creating a barrier around the grave to prevent anyone from entering the fenced area.

By the time they got back to the castle, it was dawn. On the same day, the kings of the east and the north left. Ezekiel was shocked to see his brother acting so coldly because he didn't cry once during the burial.

"You should try to sleep, brother." Ezekiel expressed his concern for his sibling.

"I have to take care of something." Alaric muttered before going inside his room.