''It's so… empty?'' Seth frowned and Roman nodded.
''Who knew one person could mean so much'' Roman added.
''Suck it up you two. Life goes on, in a weak or two people will return to their routines like nothing ever happened'' Dean muttered and Seth frowned.
''I guess we all grief in our own way, don't we'' he said a little irritated and walked away. He was not in the mood for Dean's temper or anything else right now.
Seth turned the corner and saw his father and Stephanie arguing. He could only imagine what they were talking about but he had a feeling it would result in bad news. The Cardinal spotted his son and waved him closer and by then it was too late for Seth to avoid the situation.
''Father'' Seth greeted him as he approached. To the Queen he only bowed polite.
''Get your brothers, I believe we have an announcement to declare'' The Cardinal smirked. Seth looked at Stephanie and her face was tightened. With that, he left to find his brothers.
''Friends, I would like to thank you all for gathering here on a so short notice'' Stephanie said.
''Considering the circumstances, I have an announcement to announce. Since The Bastard no longer will be able to fulfill her duties, we have decided to make a slight adjustment regarding the guards. For instant, Red Guards will interfere more in the castle and among Royal Guards'' she paused to see the reactions. The Royal Guards exchanged gazes and some of them muttered, but nobody said a word.
''Second of all, I would like to introduce you to the new prince'' Stephanie smiled and raised one hand against Roman. Roman widened his eyes and people started to whisper. But still, no one said a thing. Roman meet Maria's eyes, but just as quickly she turned her gaze away.
''And finally, The Bastard's duties will be replaced by Dean and Seth. That includes every duty she had and anybody disagreeing of their orders will answer by me. But since their where never any trouble before I don't see why it would be now'' Stephanie finished and raised her head a little.
''Luna'' somebody else but Stephanie now spoke.
''Her name is Luna'' it was Dean.
''It's of no value'' Stephanie replied coldly and Dean chuckled.
''Yeah, and thank you for the offering, but no thanks'' Dean said and now Stephanie lowered her head back to normal. Somebody had actually obeyed her.
''You're a fool, why would you…'' Stephanie begun.
''He didn't mean that, clearly my son is not in his sense right now'' Vince said and gave his son a glare.
''Dean just…'' Roman tried to whisper but Dean was stubborn.
''I said no'' Dean hissed and now Stephanie turned to Hunter. He didn't look too happy about all this.
''I will not force anybody to anything'' he said shortly and Dean bowed slightly with his head. He was about to walk out when Hunter's voice once again spoke.
''May I ask why you willingly don't want to higher your own position, son?'' The King asked.
''Because all it cost her, was her heart'' Dean said and walked out the room.
And that was the end. I have unfortunately lost inspiration for this story, but I've loved writing it. Hope you all liked it as well. Thank you.