With all of the chaos of setting up the trap and dealing with the kingdom itself, although she knew why she hadn't seen Archibald around in a while, it had slipped her mind all the same that Errol's funeral was being arranged. Well to be fair, it was partly because Archibald continued to work while he did it, so she didn't think too much of it.
Archibald bowed as he entered the room. He looked thinner. Paler. More haggard. Like a man about to bury his son.
Isabelle's stomach twisted in guilt, but she remained impassive.
"Have the preparations been made?"
"Yes, your majesty. He will be laid to rest with honor."
She nodded. "What do you need of me?"
"Ah..."
She could see his gaze slide away. "It is not my place, your majesty-"
She reached out and grabbed his shoulder, cutting him off. "Archibald. Tell me what you need."
His mouth trembled, but then his voice grew cold, like a knife.
