Fifty Four

My sister ran to embrace me, and I held out my arms to receive her, but they dropped as I thought of her parents. Once she was near me, I simply bowed and said, "Her Majesty Crowned Princess Elizabeth Chrysanthemum III of the House of Artica, I am here to announce the deaths of our reigning monarchs, King Alexander IV and Queen Madeline."

She remained quiet for a little while before asking me to declare my title and welcomed me home. I'm not sure how long we hugged each other, but the familiar warmth that I grew up with was slowly healing my wounds and I couldn't get enough of it. She then led us to the carriages, but only George and I rode with her and her bodyguard, Tony.

Apparently the messenger bird we had sent arrived when Elizabeth and John were on their way to bury momentos of ours. They thought we didn't make it, but the bird led John back to his sister, Joan.

I always thought travelling with two empty carriages was a show of money or security tactic, but I was grateful that the royal guard was that extra.

Instead of heading back to Artica, Elizabeth instructed the soldiers to head for the nearest town. I shared all of our adventures and stories, but I didn't mention Merlin, since Tony was there. When we arrived at the town, all guards were instructed to drape any and all crests they had in a black cloth to signify that a grieving period in the kingdom had begun.

As we travelled, one guard started singing songs that celebrate the late king and queen, and everyone joined in as well. That by itself showed how much Elizabeth's parents were loved by their people.