A Royal Death [Gerhardt]

Ripped apart, torn to pieces, was what his heart was. Yet the ironic part of it all was that he had done this, the decision had been his and his alone. She would still be here if he'd just turned around, turned around and found a way to work this out. But there was no way, she and he had both known it in their hearts. At least, he had. What would she do, where would she go? These questions and more swam about the fabrics of his mind, the vast ocean that plagued him day and night. But he had not the time to think about her right now, this man was here for something, and Gerhardt intended to know what it was.

He started off with a stammer, one that unnerved the already overemotional King. What could be so important that this man would stammer over it? Then he uttered the King's name, and Gerhardt took a step forward, his ears swiveling toward the blackened man with interest. More time passed before the news came. Adette was dead. What? How could this be? He'd seen her alive only hours ago. What had happened in so little time? More words came, but Gerhardt scarcely heard them, except for the last two: 'drowned herself'. What!? His breathing grew shallow and ragged, and he spoke a rasped command.

"Take me to her. Now." He had to see her, had to know for himself, had to get closure. This man, he didn't care who he was or what part he'd played, Gerhardt just needed to get to his wife. No, his ex wife. The thought that all of this could be a trap only scarcely crossed his mind, but he knew that the odds were it wasn't a trap. Odds were, it was true. Adette had once said he was her whole life, he should have known she'd do something like this. He should have insisted she stay in Seracia, at least for a day or two until things calmed down, until emotions weren't so stricken. He should have done something, anything, but it was too late now.

"Speech"