Chapter 38

• "Good morn, my King," my mother said with half a smile. There was so much sadness in her eyes. I waited a moment, watching her smother Hamund.
• "I love you, Mother," I said softly. Her tears began anew. She waved me into her arms. Hamund and I stayed with her until her composure returned. She stood after a while, kissing Hamund, then me.
• "Leave me to dress, my love," my mother told me, "I will be out soon. We will begin then." I nodded and took Hamund's hand. King and Prince left the Queen Mother to prepare herself.