By the time Ivan returned home it was already sundown. The young prince sighed, knowing his parents would berate him with questions as to where he was. Ivan knew they had meant no harm, however it would still be overwhelming the rate at which the questions would be asked. As prince Ivan entered the keep he was greeted by his mothers embrace. "Ivan my boy! Are you alright, you're not hurt are you? Where have you been? Were you out in the rain? You are not sick are you not?!" queen Anastasia said, looking over her son for any injuries.

"I'm fine mother, I was at the hill of carnations & daffodils. A man guided me to the trees during the rain, we had a nice chat." Ivan said, trying to calm his mother down. "Anastasia, let the boy breath dear.. I've received word from Mere that Ryxingeir had broken the news to him. He needs space for the moment." Ivan's father, King Isacc, said, placing a hand on his wife. Reluctantly, Anastasia let her son go & went in the direction of the dinning hall.

Ivan stared at his father, noticing a calm yet grieving look in his eyes. The whole kingdom was in grief, each dealing with the loss of the soon to be queen in their own ways. All but the king, for a king needed to rule over his land for his people. The king had to be strong in the darkest of times. Ivan knew that soon he'd have to wear the same look his father wore now. "go wash up my son, dinner shall be ready soon." Isacc said, heading off to his study to complete the paperwork he had.

Ivan looked at the doors to his study and sighed before making his way to his room. Averting his eyes from the throne room where four empty thrones sat, one being empty forever. Ivan couldn't look at the thrones without tearing up. As Ivan entered his room he noticed a note on his table. Taking the note from the night table, Ivan read the letter and teared up.

'greetings young prince, I'm sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the pain you must be going through. I do wish we were on better terms as writing alone cannot convey my condolence. I do wish you an easy travel through the stages of grief..

In good intent, Mere'

Ivan had noticed a single Alba water lily on his table & sighed, Placing the note down & grabbing a set of clean clothes to change into before heading to the washroom.

As Ivan had finished changing he heard a knock on his door. "yes?" "Prince Ivan, dinner is ready! Your parents are waiting for you." A voice said. Ivan opened the door and shook his head softly. "Mary, why were you the one to inform me? It is odd as you are the court jester." Ivan said, looking at the young girl. "I just wanted to be helpful, I also thought you could use a laugh. Considering..." Mary started, only for Ivan to interrupt. "forgive me for interrupting, but I think it best if you were to try to entertain me after supper. I know you have good intent, but I must request you wait." He said, heading to the dining hall before Mary could utter a response.

Once Ivan entered the dinning hall he stopped to look at the seats. There were numerous seats for any visitors. Ivan made his way towards the head of the table where his parents were seated. Ivan sat across from his mother & took his fathers hand. Anastasia took king Isacc's other hand before taking her son's free hand. The family of three closed their eyes as Isacc began grace. "Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts which we receive from Thy bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen"

Once grace was recited, the family began to consume the food on their plates. Eventually, the family had finished the food that was once on their plates. Just like before, Ivan, Anastasia, & Isacc took each other's hands as the king recited grace. "O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever. He gives food to every creature; He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of a horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man. The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. We thank You, Lord God Heavenly Father, for all your benefits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen."

Once grace was completed, the family released each other's hands & departed off to their rooms. Ivan paused in front of an old family portrait of about 2 years old. His father stood tall, his blue eyes holding a calm stare as his dark umber hair rested calmly in the static image. Next to his father was Ivan's mother. She looked at peace in the painting, her ocean blue eyes seemed to ripple with the shadows from outside, her long silky blonde hair rested upon her shoulders, complementing her pale freckled skin. Ivan stood in a resolute position, his hands cupped in front of him with the hand of his father on his shoulder. Ivan's blue eyes appeared to be the least lifelike in the portrait, as if he were a mere statue. Next to him was his sister. Raven looked more lifelike in the painting then she did in life. Her blonde hair neatly tucked behind her ears as her pearl blue eyes reflected a bird that flew by. The family was all in blue, white, & gold.

Ivan had to force himself to look away from the portrait to prevent himself from letting the tears that welled in his eyes fall. The painting was beautiful, yet heartbreaking as the only one smiling was Raven. The young prince walked away from the painting & into his room, feeling tears begin to roll down his cheeks.

As soon as he entered his room, Ivan slammed the door shut. His vision became blurred as he let the dam that held his emotions burst. Quietly, the prince sank to the floor & sobbed. He looked at the cloth doll on his bed & crawled to it, retrieving it from the bed. Ivan examined the maiden made from cloth & wool before hugging it. for what felt like ages, the prince sobbed into the doll before his eyes had wasted all the tears he had. Slowly, he climbed into his bed before drifting off to sleep.

Within his mind, an image of Raven appeared. Ivan couldn't make out any details of her face other than her mouth. He attempted to rush to her side & hug her, only to realize he couldn't move. Within a second, a slice appeared across her torso & she collapsed to the ground. Ivan tried to run to her side, yet he was completely still. His body wouldn't move no matter how hard he tried. After what felt like an eternity trying to rush to his sister Ivan finally moved. As he rushed to his sister, a look of horror stretched across his face. He stared at his sisters now rotting body, trying to comprehend what was going on.

& then, he awoke.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Word count: 1,241