Thirty-Three
Mourning
Spring 961 MC
It was a sombre morning. The flags had been lowered to half-mast in mourning for the earl while the whole manor had taken on an air of gloominess. Alric knocked on Anna's door, and Sophie opened it to bow deeply.
"Is the princess available?" he asked.
"Yes, Highness," replied Sophie. "She's just finished dressing. Would you like to come in?"
"Thank you," he replied, entering the room.
Anna stepped through the bedroom door to join him. "Alric," she said, "I assume you're heading down to pay your respects?"
"Yes," he admitted, "though I wondered if you would accompany me."
"I should love to," she said, "but I'm not clear on your customs in this regard."
"The earl's body will be laid out on a table so that people can pass him and say a prayer."
"
