Separation

The next morning, Unity Rock was in uproar. The bell ringers rang the huge bells in Vulcan's tower, signaling to the whole of Asghavia that the Emperor was dead.

After an autopsy was conducted by Daegal and the mages of Unity Rock, letters were sent with messengers on fast horses to various Chiefs, and for farther locations, messenger birds were set loose to inform the kingdoms of the continent that the Emperor had passed of natural causes.

Nerina continuously had to school her features into one of concern, sympathy, and heartbreak whenever she passed by anyone in the castle. Her father, Chief Topher also mirrored the same look.

"I am so sorry, Daegal. I know the both of you had your ups and downs and there were times you didn't like him but he was still your father. My comfort for your loss," Nerina said to him using Naomi's method of speaking when he returned to their room after conducting the autopsy.

"Hm." That was all he said. His face was a kaleidoscope of conflicting emotions