128

Queen Yeri.

I lay still on the bed, face buried in the pillows. I have been like this since last night—my despair pulls me deeper into the sheets, refusing to release me. I saw when the morning light crept into the room as Alice opened the windows, letting in a soft breeze that stirs the curtains but did nothing to stir me. Kiesta stands at the foot of the bed.

"Your Majesty, there is a court meeting. You need to get up and dress. It is the first time you will appear as queen to the officials of Orizon."

Alice moves to the side; her voice is gentle but with a sense of urgency. "I’ll start boiling water."

"I will pick out her dress," Beth adds, as if the right gown might somehow revive the queen's spirit.

I do not move. And my voice, when it finally emerges is faint. "I don’t feel well."

"No, you just feel hate. Don’t beat yourself, Your Majesty. He is dragon wolf blood; he’s quite powerful." Kiesta says, it is a subtle encouragement but I do not want to see Ozar’s face.

Kiesta sits on