Alone with her thoughts.

As Queen Amelia walked into the garden she was remembering the times when her father had played with her in the garden. He loved stepping away from the throne for a little while to chase her around the flowers beds. Those were happy times and these were the memories she kept at the front of her mind. Her mother had received the body and made all the arrangements as per her Fathers will. Amelia had been spared the sight of her father's badly injured body. Amelia came to where she had many conversations with her father. Queen Amelia sat alone beneath the canopy of stars, surrounded by the serene silence of the royal garden - a sanctuary nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of the palace grounds. With each passing moment, she felt an ever-increasing heaviness settle within her heart, a testament to the sorrow that consumed her since losing her beloved father. As tears welled in her eyes, a single drop escaped and traced a course towards the delicate petals of a nearby rose. "Oh, how I miss you," whispered Amelia, clutching at the fabric of her gown tightly. In those tender moments, it seemed as though every fiber of her being was woven together with unbearable yearning – a void that only deepened with time. She also recognised that her mother was also grieving the loss of her husband. But they were both trying so hard to maintain their composure publicly. It had been difficult for them both, trying to carry out their duties without showing weakness, despite feeling emotionally drained inside.

Tonight however, she felt a certain sense of relief in knowing that there would be no courtly gatherings, no official obligations demanding her attention tonight. Instead, she could indulge fully in her own sorrows underneath the cover of darkness, hidden amongst the verdant beauty of nature’s best efforts. The cool evening air carried hints of distant scents that tickled her senses like gentle whispers; reminding her that life continued even if hers couldn't quite match its pace just yet. There was something reassuring in these simple pleasures, comforting in their mundane normalcy. But still, she craved company more than anything else, seeking solace from a soul who understood the weight of bearing responsibility too soon. Amidst all the peaceful scenery surrounding her, she wished desperately for a confidante—someone whom she could trust wholeheartedly and with whom she could lay bare her true feelings. Someone who wouldn't judge her for feeling such despair. However, the reality dawned upon her that she might not find one immediately. As she turned around, looking back at the castle where her chambers awaited her return, she resolved to soldier on. Despite her misgivings about taking up her father's mantle, she knew that she must rise above her self-pity and lead her people. For they looked up to her now, expecting strength, wisdom, and stability. Closing her eyes, she allowed the tranquility of the garden to take hold once again, letting go of any negative thoughts and focusing solely on the present.

The calming rhythm of water dripping from the fountain began to lull her into an almost meditative state, allowing her to temporarily forget her troubles. It was then that she heard the footsteps and looking up She saw Lady Marina walking towards her. Amelia recognized her friend, Marina, from afar. They had known each other for years, sharing laughter and companionship during happier times. Now, she realized that Marina held a deeper significance — the possibility of solace amidst her solitary torment. Marina approached with graceful steps, stopping beside Amelia to look upon the majestic view before them. "Your Majesty." Marina bowed elegantly, her dark curls cascading down her shoulders. Amelia responded softly, nodding slightly in acknowledgment, her gaze fixed intently on the landscape below. "Your Majesty it is getting late and you have a busy schedule tomorrow. You need to choose an ambassador to Julan. Also King Linus is arriving tomorrow to attend the late King's funeral. You should go to your chambers and rest" said Marina. They both headed back inside the palace and Queen Amelia head to her chambers walking along the now silent hallway. She headed into her chambers and her maids helped her disrobe and she climbed into her four poster bed and got under the covers letting more tears flow. Better they flow tonight in the seclusion of her room than tomorrow in public. Soon she fell into a fitful slumber as the clouds moved to obscure the moonlight.