Morning came all too quickly, and the hours flew past for Eya. Questions were asked and decisions had to be made regarding the king's body, a funeral, and what to tell the people. Rumors were spreading like wildfire between the palace servants and, in turn, through the city. Numbness throbbed through Eya as she did her best to do what was needed, to create a date for the viewing and a funeral, and have Kia kept busy and away from the chaos.
The shielding didn't last long, however, though Eya managed to keep the secret from Kia for two days by sending the child out often with an escort to be shielded from the rumors. But with the viewing for the city people happening soon, she couldn't put it off much longer. Nor could she continue to divert the constant pestering as Kia questioned her father's whereabouts.
"Kia!" Eya shouted from her room as evening descended on them.
"Yes mother?" Kia replied.
"Come here! I need to talk to you."
Kia scampered through the hall, opening her mother's door and peering inside to see Eya sitting on the bed, tears flowing down her face. Tears began to well up in Kia's eyes and she stepped in slowly, the child knowing her fears were correct.
"It's about Daddy, isn't it?"
Eya nodded, wiping her tears.
"Daddy's gone, isn't he?"
When Eya nodded, Kia let out a soft cry, covering her mouth before rushing to her mother. She leapt into her arms, Eya pulling her close as mother and daughter cried together, comforting each other as best as possible. "I'm so sorry."
The next day, Eya let the mourners in, people from throughout the city filing into the throne room to see the king at rest. Mothers, fathers, children, and everyone in between came to pay their respects with tear-stained faces and bowed heads. It was the last time any of them would be able to see their benevolent and loved king. Eya stood with Kia near the back, watching the people pass by. Kia's hand tightened around her mother's.
"May I see him?" Kia asked.
"I don't think you're ready for that. You're very young, love. Seeing… seeing your father like this is a lot on anyone, especially someone your age."
"Everyone has been looking at him and saying goodbye. They didn't know him, not like me. I need to see him again. Please, Mommy." Kia's pleading eyes dug into Eya's soul and the queen nodded, holding her hand a little tighter.
"Alright, you can come with me."
As they made their slow walk to the front, dread filled Kia, her heart beating against her chest. Everyone parted, making way for the royal duo. All eyes were pinned on the queen and princess, Kia's hand squeezing tight with the growing fear. She wasn't ready, but she needed to see her father. She needed to say goodbye to the father she missed desperately.
The two paused when they got closer, hesitation holding them back before they moved to the side and looked at George's still form. Kia stared, eyes widening at her lifeless father who lay devoid of expression or warmth. Her breath caught in her throat and she began to shake. Everything seemed so loud. She struggled to get air, a sob breaking free. Kia pulled her hand from Eya's, bringing it to her mouth and stepping back.
Eya signaled to a guard. "Stay with her and make sure she is okay. Then take her to her room and keep an eye on her until I arrive."
Grabbing Kia's hands back in her own, Eya crouched down in front of her. "It's okay, Kia. It's alright. A guard will take you away from here and I won't be far behind, my dear. Don't worry."
Kia nodded, eyes pinned to the casket when the guard gently took her arm. When she didn't respond, he lifted her into his arms and carried her out, leaving Eya to return her attention to her husband's body. She moved closer, bending down as though to plant a kiss on his cheek.
"Do you see what you've done? Did you think I wouldn't find out? Don't worry, my handsome king, I will still find this woman and your son, and they will meet the same fate as you," she whispered against his ear before placing her kiss to his forehead. She lingered a moment longer, staring at his face before she straightened and turned to address the room.
"It is time for you all to leave. It has been enough for one day and we have to prepare for the funeral tomorrow." Her command was met by hushed grumbles and sad mumbles of disappointment.
"Please," someone spoke out, a man peering from the crowd, "this is the only time we have to say goodbye. We will not be able to make our peace at the funeral without invitations."
"Did you not just see my daughter break down seeing her father dead?!" Eya snapped. "Any one of you would require privacy over a death as this! And the funeral is our space to mourn as we see fit. You are lucky I gave any time to you."
"You are right, my queen. It was insensitive of me," the man said, attempting to sink back into the crowd of people.
"No, it was entitled of you! My husband allowed you to all feel as though you were higher than you are. You are not royalty, and you are not privy to the same things as we are. Now all of you leave before I have you forcefully removed." Eya signaled for the casket to be closed and people to be ushered out.