“My condolences, Your Highness,” another noble said, bowing before Raena. She thanked him distractedly, her gaze drifting back to where the remaining priests were tending to the coffin of the deceased. The ceremony had passed in a haze. Raena had tried to focus, but her attention kept slipping to the men in black robes and their words, searching for some hidden meaning, some clue to guide her.
Before she could fully gather her thoughts, Kassian steered her toward the reception hall where she was seated in a chair, and instructed not to move as latecomers came to pay their respects.
Kara came by with her parents, fussing over her until Raena sent her way. Blaine and Marden offered their condolences as well, followed by a long line of people Raena could hardly remember the names of. The Em
