It felt like a cold fist had gripped Shelby's heart.

"What?" she said. The words slipped out before she could stop herself.

"What's happened?" Cassandra asked, suddenly standing from her chair and everyone else with her.

Marcus looked apologetic.

"A couple of gang members set fire to the Wyvern Inn in Anselm Fief where Mrs. Treaty was on a courier mission. She had originally made it out, but there was a peasant girl trapped inside. Alyss went back in to save her. The girl got out, but before Alyss could leave, the roof collapsed on top of her." He took a breath. "I'm sorry."

The room was so silent, you could hear a pin drop.

"And Ranger Will?" Horace prompted gravely. "How's he?"

Marcus shrugged slightly.

"As well as a man can be, when he loses his wife."

Shelby collapsed in her chair. It was all too much. She had just heard a gut-wrenching testimony from a girl that was going on a foreign mission for the country, then had agreed to continue the mission herself. Now, her father was back to being on his lonesome, something a ranger got used to, but never enjoyed. Her mother was gone.

She didn't even get to say goodbye.

Every one turned to her.

"Shelby-" Abigail started. Shelby held up a hand.

"She did the right thing," she said. "All of us would have done it too."

"No one doubts that," Gavin said. "But, Shelby…" Whatever he was going to say, he didn't finish.

The Queen and King consort both had tears in their eyes.

"Maybe it's best if Shelby is excused," Mason said, something Shelby would be eternally grateful for. She was holding herself together for the time being, but she wasn't sure how long she could keep it up.

Cassandra nodded.

"Of course."

Horace took his wife into his arms. The last thing Shelby saw as she was leaving was the queen, regal and calm as she was, crying softly into her husband's shoulder.

The walk back to Shelby's room was brutal. She couldn't see very well because her eyes were stinging with tears. Shelby, usually so graceful and regal, was tripping over her own two feet. Mason actually had to carry her half the way. Shelby didn't even remember what happened after that. She remembered collapsing on her bed and sobbing until her throat hurt. She remembered Mason being at her side, stroking her hair, but saying nothing. She was glad he wasn't trying to say anything 'comforting', because she just needed silence. Before she knew it, she was asleep.

The morning sun was what woke her up. Shelby sat up, rubbing her eyes. They hurt for some reason. Then she remembered why. Her shoulders fell, but she wasn't about to reduce into another crying fit.

Mason wasn't next to her, so she assumed her had went on to his morning duties. Shelby dressed herself quickly and braided her hair to keep it out of the way. She figured she had better talk to the queen about being dismissed for a while to be with her father.

Within minutes, she was out the door and headed to the main courtroom. There she found the queen and Abigail at their usual places, reading some reports.

"Good morning, you Majesty," Shelby said, curtsying gracefully. Cassandra looked up. She looked just about as good as Shelby felt. It seemed rather obvious none of them slept well last night.

"Good morning, Shelby," Cassandra said, her voice thick. "How are you doing?"

Shelby couldn't think of anything coherent to say, so she shrugged her shoulders slightly. Cassandra looked at her sympathetically.

"We've been reading into some of the reports about the people of Picta," Abigail said, catching Shelby up. "Apparently there have been more attacks throughout the entire country." She looked up warily. "And they keep getting closer to Araluen."

"They're certainly growing bold," Shelby said, taking a seat next to the princess. She frowned down at the reports. "Why would they be trying to make a move against us?"

"Why not?" Cassandra posed smoothly. "We're a leading power in the world currently."

"That would seem like a reason to stay away to me," Abigail admitted.

"You would think so," Cassandra replied. "But if whoever leading this can find a way to get under our skin, it can unnerve us and all the people. We'll be off guard. I've seen such a thing happen before," she added.

"So you're not worried?" Shelby asked.

"Oh, I'm worried," the Queen said. "I would have to be mental not to be. But I'm not concerned that it will grow out of hand." She paused. "However, if we wish to keep it under control, it will have to be taken care of. I hoping that will be accomplished by sending you and Abigail."

Shelby nodded once.

"I will do what I can while I'm there," Shelby said. "I'll do my best to stop it before it starts."

Cassandra smiled delicately.

"I appreciate your readiness," she said. She looked back down at the page in front of her. "Several clans have gathered together in a sort of refugee camp about a day's journey away from Norgate Fief."

"That's dangerously close to our border," Abigail interrupted. The queen nodded.

"Indeed," she agreed. "No doubt they're looking for shelter near us. In any case, you two will be going there to meet up with a collection of their warlords. Hopefully, you will learn about this attacking force and bring back information as to what we should do."

Shelby nodded her understanding. It seemed like a wise direction to take. Simply diplomatic, and not at all threatening to the opposing force. Yet, anyway.

Shelby looked up at the Queen.

"Your highness," she started, "I was thinking…Perhaps it would be best for me to take a short leave before I go on my journey, to be with my father. No doubt he will be mourning, and I would like to be with him before I go away for a while."

Cassandra smiled warmly.

"Of course I would let you go," she said. "But we received a message from Ranger Will this morning stating that he was coming to the castle for a brief stay. You won't have to go anywhere."

Shelby had wanted to go back to Redmont Fief to see her home again, but she could hardly complain. She would at least get to see her father, who she hadn't seen since her wedding a month and a half ago.

"I think he would like to have a conference with my husband and I before he decides what to do about the whole situation," Cassandra added. "Also, your mother's memorial service will be here once he arrives."

Shelby nodded once. She wasn't looking forward to that, but honoring her mother seemed like the best thing to do.

"When do you think he'll arrive?" she asked.

"Probably in a few days," Cassandra replied. "You know how he is about travel. When he wants to get somewhere, it's a real challenge to get him to stop."

Shelby smiled a little. It was true. That was a trait she had inherited from him.

"In the meantime," Abigail said. "You should probably get ready for our trip."

"And your birthday feast," Cassandra added.

"Thanks," Shelby said. "But I don't feel like there's much to celebrate."

Cassandra stood from her chair and enveloped Shelby in her arms.

"I'm sorry, Shelby," she whispered in her ear. "I know I'll never be your mother, but I'll do my best. If you ever need a mother for a day, I'm always here." The Queen kissed Shelby's head, and excused herself from the room.

Shelby's blinked tears away from her eyes.

Abigail took her hand, but said nothing for a while.

"I think we should go visit Jenny," she said after a brief silence. "She said she was interested in making your birthday dinner. We should go pick out what you want."

Shelby rolled her eyes. Sometimes it seemed like Abigail never heard anything she said.

"What?!" the princess demanded, putting her hands on her hips. "Nothing gets your mind of things like food."

"You and Mason both are so much like your father," Shelby said, shaking her head in amazement. "Always with the food."

So guys…I'm still getting over being sick and I've had massive headaches every day this week. I haven't got much writing done, and I apologize. Hopefully, I'll be better soon, and I'll finish this story up. Cheers - Destiny