**WARNING - DEPICTION OF SELF HARM AHEAD. MAY BE UPSETTING FOR SOME READERS. DISCRETION IS ADVISED**

[2 weeks and a few days later]

*

[Late Night - toward Morning]

[Southern Kingdom - Queen's Palace - Bedchambers]

The moon waxed. Yet still, its light shone splendidly over the gardens below and through the windows and balcony doors; into the bedchambers of the Queen.

A lone figure eased into the moonlit room; tired but unable to rest, for she was disquieted by her own thoughts and very much concerned for the well-being of her cousin, Marie.

Sound asleep; Gloriam expected to find her, however, standing by a window was she. Gazing far into the hushed gardens below as she embraced herself.

Gloriam: You're awake?

Marie: ....

Gloriam: ...Marie?

Marie: ....Hm?

Gloriam sighed deeply and said

Gloriam: It is quite late

In reply, Marie then admitted; her voice weak

Marie: I.. I am unable to sleep

Gloriam: Mm..

Marie: ...

Gloriam: ..Still, you should try to get some rest

Marie: My mind...it refuses to let me

Shoulder to shoulder the pair stood, their faces and white gowns paled further by the silvery light. Not a word was uttered for some time until Gloriam kindly requested

Gloriam: Tell me

Gloriam waited patiently. For it was some time before the Queen spoke, and when she did Marie sighed and said

Marie: My thoughts... my mind..it dwells on everything and I worry for Valentin and his injuries

Gloriam: Do you intend to visit His Majesty after the mourning month has passed?

Marie: He has not called for me since his return. And ..the doctor reports- he states that he is healing and doing much better, but still...he has not

Gloriam: His Majesty will. Soon

Marie: I often wonder if he blames me for...the outcome

Gloriam: How could His Majesty? You played no part in it

Marie: Do you.. Do you know... that he finds me to be an.. an annoyance?

Gloriam: ...

Marie: A nuisance, rather

Gloriam: ....

Marie: And my son...the only son left to me, resents me.

Gloriam: Marie...

Marie: I know he does

Gloriam: Do not torture yourself so. His Highness does not.

Marie: ...

Gloriam: He inquires after you every day

The Queen simply shook her head and fell silent and after some time had passed in silence, she asked of Gloriam

Marie: Do you recall the day father died?

Gloriam: ..I do, yes

Marie: I felt as though someone constantly clenched my heart..

Gloriam: ....

Marie: ..and to remember him, there would always be pain there..

Gloriam: ..

Marie: ...I could not breathe and I could not prevent myself from sobbing

Gloriam: His Majesty visited to comfort you for several days. And the princes...

Marie: My sons were quite young. And Alex...my little one, never knew him. All asleep they are now..

Gloriam: ...

Marie: This time...I feel that same pain in my head and in my chest, my very insides, and everything around me constantly appears as if I am asleep. Slow and dull.

Gloriam: ...

Marie: I have no more tears within me, Gloriam..

Gloriam: ...Marie

Marie: ..There is nothing left. I have nothing left

Gloriam: ... -sniff-

Marie: ..I would do anything...I would gladly give anything...but I have nothing

Gloriam: ...

Marie: Then, perhaps, the only thing left to me...is to try and awake from this nightmare

Her words were slow and heavy and this only further troubled Gloriam. She turned to her and said consolingly

Gloriam: Marie, you are tired

Marie: ...

Gloriam: Should I have some tea prepared for you? To assist you in sleeping?

Marie: Sleep...

She closed her eyes as she considered the offer and replied softly

Marie: I suppose. Perhaps, it may help.. thank you

**

**

When Gloriam did return to the Queen's bedchamber, a servant girl alongside her, she quietly announced their presence but was met with no reply.

At first she believed her cousin slept at long last, however, upon observing the doors to the balcony open, her gentle smile left her and a chill swept over her.

The drapes billowed gently and the crisp early morning air entered, greeting her warm cheeks.

Atop the balcony overlooking the shadowy gardens beyond sat a lone figure.

Pale it shone against the darkness surrounding it; as if it were a spectre or the silver moon above. It was Marie, and she gave no reply to her cousin who worriedly called for her.

Cautiously from behind, Gloriam approached and repeatedly called, beckoning and pleading for her cousin to descend from the parapet.

But she gave no heed. Unaware of her presence Marie appeared to be.

And so as to not startle her cousin, Gloriam fell silent and stood still as she drew near.

Marie then moved, startling Gloriam somewhat.

But she had only lifted her eyes skyward and soon fell still once again.

Gloriam too observed the clear starlit sky, though briefly.

For next she knew was the sudden coldness which leapt into her chest, the burning sensations in her arms as they scraped along the bannister's edge and the fear in the eyes of the one she struggled to hold on to.

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