The morning of the funeral hung heavy across the kingdom. Eya dressed in a black dress, choosing a royal piece that respected her position and the mourning of her husband. Yet when she gazed in the mirror, Eya's hands gripped the edge of her dresser the longer she stared.
"Who would have thought?" she mumbled to herself. "Me, a widow? A lone mother with one child. A mother of a daughter with a broken heart." Her fingers dug into the wood as her face contorted with grief before shifting into something far darker. She grabbed a beautiful figurine of a man and woman wrapped in an embrace, a gift from her late husband. The piece was hurled at the mirror, smashing it and sending pieces through the room. Eya's shoulders shook at the broken reflection as she fought her labored breath.
"Mommy? Are you okay, Mom?" Kia's panicked voice broke through Eya's blind rage, and she turned. Kia stood at the door, hugging herself as she kicked a small piece of mirror away from her. "What happened?"
"Don't you look stunning, my darling!" Eya exclaimed, relaxing as she crossed the room to meet her daughter. "A dress fit for a princess."
"But what happened, Mom? That doesn't answer my question!"
"A persistent one, aren't you? Just like your father." Kia smiled slightly at the comparison and Eya continued. "I'll be alright. Today is a difficult day for everyone, and I had a weak moment. All is fine."
As Kia moved to open her mouth in protest, a guard arrived with a knock and a bow. "We are ready for you, my Queen. The vehicle has arrived."
"Thank you," Eya nodded before turning to her daughter again. "Come Kia, it's time. You can do this. I raised you strong." Eya took Kia's hand and the two walked out together.
Bells tolled through the city, casting a somber veil over the kingdom as the two entered the vehicle and began the drive towards the funeral. People flocked to the roadway by the hundreds, bowing their heads with a hand to their chest in respect for their fallen king. They swarmed near the vehicles and Eya gave a scoff of disgust.
"Didn't they show enough respect already? I opened my home to these people!" She turned to gaze across the masses and opened the window. "Ungrateful!" she shouted to the crowds.
"My Queen, if I may," the driver interjected softly, pulling the queen's attention away.
"Yes, speak."
"The people of the city and those who lived nearby don't have much," he started gently, keeping his tone respectful and kind. "King George went above and beyond for them. To many, he was family to them. They would do anything for him. So, you see, they too are grieving as if they've lost one of their own. These are the last moments they can honor him and show up in whatever way they can."
"Yes, love for a man who spent so much time with these people yet hardly any for his own family. A man meant to be a father and husband, but chose to say no to us and go above and beyond for simple commoners. He was weak and pathetic," she spat.
"Mommy, please! Don't talk about Daddy like that!" Kia hugged herself and pressed back into the seat. "He tried his best for me, I promise he did!"
Eya's expression and tone softened instantly. She reached to press her hand against Kia's cheek as she shook her head. "Oh, my dear, I didn't mean to upset you. It hurt me to see these people spend so much time with him while I worried about you, is all. I worried about us. I'm sorry."
"It must have been really hard."
"Hmmm, what do you mean?"
"For Daddy. All those people loved him so much and he had to be a king for all of them. It makes me happy he was my dad." Kia's voice broke and she sniffled.
Eya pulled Kia into a hug and rubbed her back, softly hushing her to soothe the falling tears.
"My Princess," the driver smiled, "it should make you happy. Your father was the opposite of King Zane, your grandfather. He spent so much time helping heal the people from the pain your grandfather caused, to bring fond feeling and memories of the whole family. Unity and compassion were his visions, and he worked day and night to make it come to pass. His legacy will live on in the people's hearts, and they will see it in you now too. There is no shortage of love from your people."
"Really?" Kia's eyes began to sparkle with pride and she wiped her nose. "He did all that?"
"You know nothing of ruling," Eya snapped at the man. "You are nothing more than a driver and have no idea how ruling works and what it takes."
"Mom!"
"No, Kia. Not everyone is your friend and he needs to know his place. People are put in positions of power for a reason. To rule and lead, not to make friends." Her eyes became cold and accusatory towards the driver. "My husband always questioned his decisions and looked to the gods to know why he was king. He was not fit to lead."
"I did not mean to offend," he spoke, a chill in his voice.
"I only state facts. I would not take offense to the words of a driver."
Silence sat between the three before Kia broke it, imploring her mother for answers. "Mom, why are you so mean to everybody? Everyone has been kind and you're not a bad person."
"Because there is no room to show weakness, Kia, or else people will take advantage of you."
"But I don't want to be mean."
"You cannot understand how the world works right now. But one day you will see the horrors of the real world and understand why I am the way I am."
Before Kia could respond, the vehicle came to a stop and Eya was already opening the door. Kia followed after her, clinging tight to her mother's hand as they walked towards the entrance of the funeral hall. The guests who were invited, families of status and those in the council, waited for them, eyes firmly fixed on the royals.
Guilt washed over Eya and her steps slowed, skin turning pale as her heart began to pound against her chest. All eyes were on her, boring through her and the secrets, crimes, and all she had done. She hardly moved, eyes pinned to the doors as Kia tugged on her arm.
"Mom? Mom!"
A sharp pull and the tone of desperation snapped Eya back into the moment. Sadness swirled across her face and she squeezed Kia's hand. "I'm sorry, Kia. Let's keep going," she whispered, trying to bring a smile to her face.