The Funeral

"Please, Miss, it's not your fault," Macy reassured me.
"Jake was simply doing his duty, he promised to protect you."

The weight of her words sank deep into my soul, reminding me of the sacrifice he had made for me.

"He gave his life for mine," I whispered, my voice trembling with grief.

I stepped out of the bathtub, the water turned crimson, mirroring the anguish that consumed me. Hastily, I adorned myself in a somber black dress, determined to honor his memory and embrace the mourning that lay ahead.

I entered my chambers. A scene of tension unfolded before me. Jacob, dressed in black like a shadow, stood there waiting. But Vivian, sitting in his chair, caught my attention. Her hands covered her eyes, tears streaming down her face. The room was heavy with accusation and blame.

With a trembling voice, she looked at me, her eyes marked by the trails of her sorrow.

"This is all your fault," she accused, her words laced with pain.
"If he had been by my side, none of this would have happened."
Defending Jake’s actions I said, "Jake was just doing his job.”
“Jacob had no choice but to send us out of the dining hall."

Vivian's grief turned into anger, directed towards me.

"If you had been a faithful wife, none of this would have happened," she exclaimed, her words filled with bitterness.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"How dare she speak to me, her queen, in such a way?" My voice rose, filled with a mix of hurt and defiance.
"I do not care if you are queen," she retorted, her voice trembling with raw emotion.
"You just got my husband killed."

In that moment, the room seemed to crackle with tension, as emotions clashed and hearts broke. The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air, leaving us all grappling with the consequences of our actions.

“Is the castle fortified, my lord?" I inquired.
"Indeed, we have apprehended the audacious trespasser," replied Jacob with a hint of satisfaction in his tone.
"After bidding farewell to our fallen comrade, Jake, we shall ensure justice is served through a fair trial and fitting punishment," Jacob declared, his voice resonating with determination.

“Tomorrow morning we shall gather to pay our respects at the funeral," Jacob stated.
"Rest assured, we shall bid Jake a farewell befitting his loyalty and dedication," Jacob assured, his voice filled with a mix of sorrow and admiration.
"For he was not only one of my oldest friends but also a valiant guardian of this castle," Jacob concluded, his words carrying a sense of reverence for the fallen hero.

Jacob and Vivian made their exit/ I was just about to follow suit when, out of nowhere, Jacob forcefully slammed the door shut. The sound reverberated through the room, and before I knew it, I heard the unmistakable click of the lock on the other side. Panic surged through me, my heart pounding like a trapped bird desperately fluttering against the confines of its cage.

Regret washed over me like a tidal wave. Why did I ever reveal the truth to Jacob? Deep down, I knew it was a mistake, but it was too late now. Jake, my dear friend, was already gone, and I was left to face the consequences of my honesty. Yet, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the fear. After all, Jacob couldn't possibly harm me, not when it would reflect so poorly on him. No, his plan was to keep me locked away until the storm of rumors had subsided.

I reassured myself that time would pass, and the whispers would fade into oblivion. All I had to do was wait until I bore his child, and then everything would change. The world would move on, and I would be free from this suffocating confinement.

I was exhausted and desperately needed some shut-eye. So, I made the decision to try and catch some sleep. However, my slumber was interrupted by sporadic moments of consciousness. The sun began to set. Jacob appeared with a tray of food. I devoured it quickly, but he yanked me up before I could even think about getting back to bed.

"What's going on?" I asked, confused.
"It's time for your punishment," he replied sternly.

He dragged me through the servant's quarters and up to the tower. At the top of the stairs, we entered a cramped room with a tiny window that barely let any light in.

"Jacob, what are we doing here?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity.
Jacob glanced around the room, a sly smile playing on his lips.

“This is going to be your humble abode for the next nine months," he replied, his tone dripping with disdain.

My eyes widened in disbelief.

"Are you serious?”
" I'll freeze to death up here!" I protested, shivering at the mere thought.

A mischievous glint danced in Jacob's eyes as he leaned in closer.

"You should have considered that before you decided to double-cross me," he retorted, his voice laced with a hint of satisfaction.

My heart sank, realizing the gravity of my situation.

“I'm just a prisoner now?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and resignation.
Jacob nodded, his expression stern. "Indeed.”
“Each morning, I'll grant you temporary freedom for your public appearances," he explained, his voice carrying a sense of authority.

My mind raced, trying to comprehend the severity of my predicament.

“Can I at least express myself?" I pleaded, hoping for a glimmer of leniency.

Jacob's gaze hardened his voice firm.

"You will only speak when spoken to.”
“Remember, I hold the reins here," he warned, his words echoing with a chilling finality.

A shiver ran down my spine as I realized the extent of Jacob's control.

"If I try to escape?”
“Or make a wrong move?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

A wicked smile crept across Jacob's face, his eyes narrowing.

"If you dare to defy me or make any wrong moves, rest assured, I will personally deliver your punishment," he declared, his voice filled with a chilling determination.

With a final glance, Jacob turned away, leaving me alone in the room.

"I'll see you in the morning," he said, his voice fading into the distance, leaving me to contemplate the daunting days ahead.

The door clicked shut, I heard the lock engage. My heart sank, but at least he had given me a thick blanket. I wrapped it tightly around me and collapsed onto the bed. It was like sleeping on a slab of concrete, but I didn't care. My mind was consumed with thoughts of Jake. His final words still echoed in my head, and all I wanted was to be back in his arms at the cabin. I longed to snuggle up against his chest and listen to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as we drifted off to sleep.

The tower was like a freezer, sending shivers down my spine. I clutched the blanket tightly around me, determined to keep the icy chill at bay. My baby snuggled close, seeking warmth from my body. The room began to thaw as the sun slowly crept up, but it was still far from cozy.

Suddenly, the sound of jingling keys broke the silence. Jacob, our host, strode into the room, looking fresh and alert.

"How did you sleep?" he asked, his voice warm and friendly.
It was freezing last night," I replied, my teeth chattering.
"Do you need an extra blanket?"

I nodded eagerly, grateful for any extra warmth.

"That would be greatly appreciated."
"Consider it done," he grinned, already turning to leave.
"We must hurry if we're going to make it to the funeral on time."

My heart sank at the reminder of our purpose for being here. But I knew we had to soldier on, no matter how cold or uncomfortable it might be. For the sake of the departed, we would brave any hardship.
With a swift stride, we ascended the grand staircase, eager to reach the sanctuary of our chambers. I hastily adorned myself in a sleek, ebony gown, its simplicity accentuating the enigmatic allure that shrouded me.

The black veil, delicately veiling my eyes, rendered the world around me a mere blur, granting me a sense of liberation from prying gazes.

Emerging into the enchanting courtyard, a wave of relief washed over me, for in this moment, my countenance remained concealed from prying eyes. Vivian, a captivating presence, joined our entourage, her
presence commanding attention amidst the gathering crowd. In those bygone days, a solemn ritual unfolded, where the mortal coil was consumed by flames, liberating the ethereal essence to embark upon its journey to the afterlife.

Yet, only the privileged elite were bestowed the honor of being entombed within ornate caskets, a testament to their opulence and status.

Jacob stepped up to the podium with a heavy heart and faced the sea of mourners before him.

"Yesterday, we lost a true hero," he began, his voice ringing out with conviction.
"Jake was more than just a soldier - he was a friend to all who knew him.”
“Today, we gather to honor his memory and pay tribute to his bravery."

The crowd listened intently as Jacob continued, his words ringing out with passion.

"Despite his untimely passing, Jake's legacy will live on.”
“The castle will continue to support his family, and his sister's treatments will be paid for in full.”
“Let us not forget the ultimate sacrifice he made - he died with the greatest honors, saving his queen from invaders."

A hush fell over the crowd as Jacob paused, his eyes scanning the faces before him.

"His widow has asked me to thank you all for attending his funeral today.”
“Your presence here means more than you can imagine."

Jacob's words took a darker turn as he spoke of the traitor who had caused Jake's death.

"Later this evening, justice will be served.”
“The traitor will be given a trial, and we will ensure that he pays for his crimes.”
"Let us honor Jake's memory by standing together and fighting for what is right."

With those final words, Jacob stepped down from the podium, his heart heavy but his resolve strong. For Jake, for his family, and for the kingdom he had given his life to protect, they would not rest until justice was served.

My heart ached as I turned my gaze from the flames that engulfed the funeral pyre. The thought of bidding farewell to Jake in such a way was unbearable. I watched Jacob bury him with the utmost respect and honor, I felt grateful. I knew that he could have easily disgraced Jake's name and stomped on his memory, but instead, he chose to do right by him. It was clear that he was doing it not just for

Jake, but for his people as well. By quelling the rumors that had been circulating around the castle, he was saving face and showing his strength as a leader. It was a bittersweet moment, but one that I knew would be remembered for years to come.

The funeral came to a close. The atmosphere shifted from somber to a mix of sadness and support. The dining hall buzzed with conversation as people gathered for a post-funeral lunch. Amidst the crowd, Vivian couldn't hold back her tears, her grief pouring out silently.

In the midst of it all, my mother caught my eye and motioned for me to join her in the library. Curiosity piqued, I followed her, stepping into the quiet sanctuary. I entered. I lifted the heavy black veil from my face, revealing my confusion.



"Mother, what are you doing here?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of surprise and concern.
"We heard about Jake.”
“Are you alright?" she asked, her worry evident in her voice. I reassured her, "I was unharmed, mother."

Her face was relieved as she replied, "That is a relief.”

“Is the baby, okay?" I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of the truth.
"Me and the baby are fine," I replied, my voice tinged with sadness.

Her next question hung in the air, heavy with the consequences it carried.

"Does Jacob know the truth?" I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to answer honestly.
"I told him everything," I confessed. Concern etched deep lines on her face as she scolded me, "Katherine, that was a foolish thing to do.”
“You could be killed."

I couldn't help but feel the weight of her words, the danger that loomed over me.

"Jacob will want to act like nothing happened," I explained, my voice trembling.
"By killing me, he confirms the rumors."

The reality of my situation sank in, and I couldn't hold back the bitterness in my voice.

"My fate is sealed.”
“Thanks to you, the love of my life is dead, and I am trapped in a marriage with an abusive man.”

The library seemed to hold its breath, the weight of our conversation hanging in the air. In that moment, I realized that my journey was far from over, and the path ahead would be filled with challenges and heartache. I was determined to fight for my freedom, for the chance to reclaim my life and find happiness once again.

"Katherine, my love, you were well aware that we would never allow you to wed a mere guard," my mother said.
“Jake had sealed his own fate by daring to fall in love with someone who belonged to a higher social class.”
“The consequences were inevitable.”

The anger in my voice was palpable as I shouted, "Leave this castle at once!”
“I never want to lay eyes on you or Father again!" The words stung, but I knew deep down that it was the price I had to pay for following my heart.

"If it is your wish, my dear Katherine, then it shall be done," mother whispered. She addressed me as her queen, a title that carried both weight and responsibility.

I wiped away a solitary tear that cascaded down my cheek. I composed myself and made my way back into the grand dining hall. Jacob was by my side in an instant.

His anger evident, he asked, "Where have you been?"