TFL ch. 16

The cathedral is silent, silent as death. The candles for King George flicker in the front. Over three hundred people are seated and barely a sound from any of them. Never was there a funeral so sober. Tears stream from many people's eyes, with not so much as a whisper ti announce their presence. Breaking the silence, several singers begin singing one if the hymns in Latin.

I fiddle with my black dress. A bit of anger wells within me. What good did all those candles do? Despite its hundreds of years, the tradition was useless, completely useless, along with the omens, fates, and magicians. I believe in God but surely no number of candles would move him! Is He dazzled by their flame?

I bite my lip and glance around me, my mind comprehending none of the Latin mass. Selina tries valiantly to keep from crying but tears on her cheek glisten despite her efforts. Next to her, Queen Elise sobs silently, her face in her hands. Eric glances over at me, his eyes questioning. I quickly look down at my lap. I unconsciously stand, sit, and kneel with the crowd as the mass commences.

"Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine,
et lux perpétua lúceat eis.
Requiéscant in pace. Amen." The final prayer snaps me out of my daze, and I watch the pallbearers take the king's casket out. With just murmured comments and whispers, the people file out solemnly. I stand close behind Guinevere, my hand pressed against my dagger that is so artfully hidden. The priest begins the rites done at every grave: the sprinkling of water on the casket, then dirt, finally swinging incense over it.

Once it is over, the people quietly walk over to the queen and Princess Selina. Queen Elise speaks not one word to anyone, but simply continues to sob. Selina straightens herself and politely receives everyone's condolences. "I am so sorry for your loss." Each person says with a bow or a curtsy. She responds, "Thank you." Once Gwen and I talk to her, we shuffle back to the cathedral. Most people have already gone home in their carriages, leaving the cathedral empty.

A lump forms in my throat as the altar boys extinguish the candles. Their bright flames die into a fading light, their vibrancy giving way to a dull void. To me, their fading light is an omen of a worse thing to come. My heart becomes compressed with angst. Could there be more coming? More death? Sir William's conversation with the stranger enters to mind. What exactly did their plan entail? I automatically clutch my dagger.

Gwen sniffles, "He was so kind." I nod. "In just a few weeks' time, he really endeared himself to all of our court." She continues, rising from the seat she had taken. I follow closely behind her, my eyes observing all. Nothing would harm her on my watch.

*******************************

Hello! Sorry I know this a shorter chapter, but I wanted to give you all a chapter and I didn't know if I would have more time.

Also, if anything is wrong with the mass I'm sorry. I was trying to do an old fashioned mass, in Latin, just like they did it back then. Also please don't be offended. Lee is a character whose had a hard life, so the traditions don't feel useful or right to her.

Anyways, question of the chappie!

If you could pick any character from any book, with whom would you want to trade lives?

I would want to trade lives with Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables!! I love the entire series!!!

Don't forget to....

Vote!
Comment!
Answer the question!

Have a splendiferous day!!!