Queen Mary said nothing after hearing the news. She lowered her gaze and tried her best to hide the turmoil in her heart. A thousand thoughts began to stir—about the ongoing war, the succession, the missing seal, the vanished princess... and the uncertain storm that would now descend upon the kingdom.
"Ring the bell," the Queen instructed in a low voice after calming herself a little. The death of the King was not something she could hide. Over the past few days, she had been making subtle adjustments. The storm had become inevitable; it was better for her to take the lead.
The servant beside her bowed and left to carry out the instructions.
Queen Mary immediately made her way to her husband's study. She had no time to grieve. Her two children were outside the royal city, and as their mother, she could only do her best to protect their interests.
