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THE PROCESSION THAT heads down to the island at six is a sombre one indeed.
Halfreda leads the way, the real grief she is feeling slowing her down more than usual. Macsen follows behind and then Millard holding on to Addyson. Archer walks with Lanorie and then Ginata, and the rest of the household and the visitors to the Realm come behind. No one who came to enjoy this week of festivities could have been prepared for their King and the Kingmaker to die. It is unprecedented and they are looking to Halfreda and Macsen to guide them.
Halfreda has sent out messengers with the news of the King’s death. She has the herald ready to pronounce it this evening at supper. The whole Realm must know of his death, but she hasn’t officially named Macsen as his heir. She would rather people assumed it and then she can crown Everleigh with as little fuss as possible and without making a further proclamation that contradicts the first. The princes will be shown the prophecy; it should mollify Millard. Macsen will be another story. They will have to lock him in the tower at the very least. They may have to end his life. He cannot live as a threat to their Queen.
For now, Halfreda carries on with their little play. Everleigh is dead as well as the King and Macsen will rule.
Addyson is a wreck, she is drugged with sleeping draughts and herbs to calm her down, some ale to take the edge off and, yet, she is still dizzy with grief. Millard is finding it hard to support her, while wiping at his own tears. Macsen is stoic, and only Halfreda, Archer, Ginata and Lanorie know why.
The tiny boat takes Halfreda over to the island and the guards have pulled out more boats for the family. Lanorie and Archer travel to the island, but the rest of the mourners and spectators stay on the land beyond the water, even Ginata.
Halfreda looks down at the two bodies, one real and one pretend, pleased that she cannot tell the difference, and starts sprinkling white powder over them; a cleansing herb to help them on their way.
When everyone is ready, heads bowed, tears flowing she starts chanting. She chants and cries, chants and cries and then as the sun begins to set, Macsen steps forward and pushes his father into the water. Millard steps forward and pushes Everleigh in after him.
Addyson drops to her knees and Lanorie is comforting her as best she can. Throughout it all, Halfreda is incredulous at the duplicity Macsen can show. The composure he has over himself, knowing what he has done is extraordinary, really.
The ceremony complete, they all cross back over the water.
There is to be a mourning feast, but Halfreda, Ginata, Lanorie and Archer excuse themselves. Nobody questions their decision, as there is no protocol to follow in these circumstances, and they cross the courtyard alone.
“Lanorie, go back to your room and be quiet. No one knows of our plan tomorrow so if it comes out it can only have come from you, and Everleigh will not be so forgiving a second time.”
Lanorie doesn’t even argue, but walks off with her head down. Cook would let her off working, everyone knows how much she loved Everleigh, no one will expect her to be alright.
“Is it safe to let her go?” Archer asks, watching her walk away. “We cannot trust her.”
“I do not think she will speak out of turn again,” Halfreda says, aware that she has no sight now to back up this belief.
They troop quietly back to Halfreda’s room. Everleigh and Will are sitting on chairs away from the fire. Will looks much better.
“How was my funeral?” Everleigh asks. She is crying; cannot stop. “Sometimes I wish I had never heard of the prophecy or made that river rise.”
“Everleigh don’t.”
“I mean it, Halfreda. Everything’s gone wrong.”
“And we are putting it right.”
“Not everything.”
“Not everything.”
Everleigh shrugs and turns away, watching the flames. “I’m frightened.”
“Me too.”
There is a knock at the door. Everleigh pulls Will to his feet and helps him to Halfreda’s wash room.
Halfreda is slow to answer, giving them time to sit quietly.
It is one of Macsen’s guards. “Macsen would like to see you in his rooms.”
Halfreda nods and follows him out. It is important that Macsen thinks she is on his side.
She must do nothing to upset him at this stage.