“He’s confined himself in his room,” Nathaniel answers, “says he’s not feeling too well.”
I nod in understanding, “I’ll ask Chef to send over a mug and some soup.”
Nathaniel grins, as does Sam, “he’d like that very much, Lady Alexis.”
“Alexis,” I chide as we all make our way back to the table.
The bonfire becomes fully packed once we finish our greetings, with every space between the rose gardens and the grove occupied to the brim. Castle Bardot itself can host over a thousand patrons, while the small village outside can fit an easy seven hundred, if not more, so the full sight of all the residents coupled with all of the prominent Lords and their families is just breathtaking to see.
My eyes flick back to the Great Road as a tense hush washes over the full crowd. Someone points to the royal family as they begin walking from the castle, the five of them flanked by two rows of Discerni and human soldiers wearing deep grey. Keane is walking in the center of the group, his features cool and sharp as he stares ahead in calm resolve. He’s wearing a deep green tunic with long sleeves and what looks like etchings of grey roses down the sides of his arms, the design absolutely beautiful and paying an honest tribute to his father. The tunic sits high on his neck in a fashion that Troy often wears, accentuating the hard angles of his jaw and cheekbones before falling into a deep cut down his chest.
He looks absolutely regal.
So sure in his strong steps and commanding the group as the future King of Disce with his head held high.
Stormfall sits on Keane’s right shoulder, the beast a sight to see in his own right as he stares at the bonfire straight ahead. To Keane’s left is his mother, her sharp blue eyes glistening as she fights back her emotions under a nearly breaking mask. She looks beautiful in her cold sorrow, her icy blue eyes staring proud ahead as her pale blonde hair sways with the wind. Golem walks quietly behind her, lending a silent but graceful presence as a part of the royal family. At the Queen’s side is her daughter, Elena, looking just as I remember. She’s strikingly beautiful with her long and pale blonde hair matching that of her mother’s, her features also sharp but with a small, easy airiness carrying behind her eyes.
To Keane’s right, and to my surprise at his positioning, walks Troy. His light blonde hair is cut neat and short as usual, but he’s let the blonde stubble around his jaw and lips grow out to form a small beard. He’s wearing a deep grey tunic with light grey stitching, the collar also resting high up on his neck. To his right walks Desmond, the last of the royal group, his black hair cut shorter than normal and heightening the angular plains of his face. His black beard is clipped short as well, chin jutting down as he walks proud beside his brother, the two of them forgoing any differences and walking together as a united front.
All of the Bardots together are truly a sight to see, a proud and solemn group that moves with the duty and honor that the day demands.
Everyone stands from their seats when the royal family finally approaches the massive unlit fire. A deathly silence consumes the full of the crowd, all eyes trained and staring at Keane as he takes a step forward.
“Today we honor and celebrate the life of my father, King Zander Jeremiah Bardot. He was a man taken too soon from this Old World, though someone who embraced his time here with a genuine eagerness for everything around him…”
Keane’s voice is strong, but his eyes are searching through the crowd as he addresses the group.
“He met everything and everyone with a kindness that was routed deep in his soul. He was a man who loved his Kingdom and lived in that kindness, always wanting to learn and better the lives of those under his reign…”
“So today we come together not to dwell on my father’s death, but to celebrate his life lived, because it has indeed been a beautiful life. My father lived with love for his family, for his Kingdom, and forallof thebeings that reside within. He was a man whose justice and patience rendered peace throughout his reign. A man who loved to share that life through conversation, laughter, and perhaps a few too many glasses of whiskey.”
The men in the crowd chuckle in agreement.
“My family and I thank every one of you for being here today, and for continuing to put up with our efforts to secure the castle as we navigate this trying time. Your own kindness and understanding does not go unnoticed…”
Keane accepts a large torch from a Discerni soldier and takes a step towards the bonfire, his gaze still searching.
“We ask that everyone begins and ends today’s event with love and celebration,” he grins to the crowd, “with emphasis on thecelebration.”
The crowd grins with Prince and shares looks with their neighbors.
Keane’s eyes finally settle on our group, his piercing gaze finding mine from afar as he finishes with a yell, “to King Zander Bardot!”
“To King Zander Bardot!” the crowd roars as Keane drops the torch.
The bonfire erupts into heavy flames of red and orange. The crowd claps and cheers as upbeat music starts to play over the slapping of wood on tables. Empty mugs and hands are banging in loud unison, Zander’s namecheered throughout the field as everyone sends their love to the royal family in recognition to late King.
Keane holds my gaze throughout the commotion, though the gesture goes unseen as Stormfall spreads his wings across the Prince’s back. The crowd starts to murmur in awe, watching the powerful beast as he pushes off of the Prince’s shoulder and hovers just over Keane’s head. He caws above the flames and then soars across the field, his flight path leading him directly to me as I take a strong step forward. Storm circles around our group’s table and above my head before descending to my outstretched hand, landing gracefully on my wrist.
I smile at the Bird of Ash and clutch him close to my chest, noticing that his yellow eyes are looking back at me passively.
“I’m so sorry, Storm,” I sigh, “I take my anger of the Ancient out on you far too much. You don’t deserve it…”
I stroke his proud chest and feel him purr at my words. “Forgive me. I will do better.”
Stormfall gives me a small caw and reaches his beak to my stroking finger, nipping down in affection. I sigh in relief and stroke his chest harder, then lift him up to my shoulder as I turn back to our group.
The Discerni seated at our table have all averted their gazes, every one of them hearing my apology in full to the Bird of Ash. I sigh and catch Cal’s gaze down the table and tilt my head to the grey canopy, needing a hefty drink to get this day started.
