Her eyes swept over the busy courtyard, her hand playing with the ring that now hung around her neck, wondering with a touch of bitterness how the world seemed to be carrying on as usual, as if it hadn't been just a week since Arthur died and killed a part of her.

"My lady?"

Blinking back the hot tears that had gathered at the edge of her eyes, Gwen plastered a smile on her face and turned to her door. "Sir Percival."

"There's news from the borders."

Gwen sighed, pushing down the dread that churned in her stomach. "More bad news?"

He dipped his head. "I'm afraid so. Skirmishes but there's fear that this might lead to more."

"That's what the council thinks. What do you think?"

That moment of hesitation was not a good sign. "I agree with the council. Some of the kingdoms are testing your will. Some are unhappy that you've made magic legal."

Just as she suspected as well. "Thank you. If you'll put the reports on my table, I'll look at them later."

"Gwen," Percival put a hand on her shoulder, his touch strong and calm. "To Leon and me, you are more than just Queen. You are our friend. Don't forget that." With those words, he returned her smile and left her room.

The loneliness that had been temporarily lifted by Percy's presence settled in her heart once more.


AN: Sorry for the teaser! :p