The Marquis of Cunningham unconsciously placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, but was gently stopped by a wave of the hand from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
"His Majesty William passed away at twelve minutes past two this morning at Windsor." The Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced each word distinctly, as if his speech resonated through the very air: "We are obliged by the duties of the Kingdom to immediately seek an audience with Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria."
Conroy's expression shifted in an instant, first displaying shock, and then shrouded in a facade of "grief."
"Your Excellencies... what a dreadful news this is! His Majesty William was always benevolent and gentle, and now with his sudden demise, the entire nation is bound to fall into endless mourning. My relations with the Duchess of Kent and with Her Royal Highness have always been as close as family, but Her Royal Highness is still quite young..."
