The next day, the kingdom gathered for the burial ceremony of Queen Tonya. The atmosphere was somber, the air thick with mourning as a grand procession moved slowly towards the royal mausoleum. The ceremony was as fastuous as befitted a Queen, with banners bearing the royal crest fluttering in the breeze and mourners dressed in black lining the streets, their heads bowed in respect. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the procession as it moved forward, the weight of the occasion felt by all. Many officials and alphas were present, along even with a delegation from the Vampires, as Prince Layzal himself was in attendance.
Markus walked at the head of the procession, his face a mask of composure, but inside, he was torn in two. Half of him wanted to mourn the loss of his
