皿 Shattering Contents 皿

Cameron's return from the battlefield has left questions hanging on the minds of the guards. Could it be our King has fallen, or our enemies have had the upper hand, if so, we are doomed? His expression answered it all, his face was as pale as snow, and he looked like a corpse as he rode past the castle keep without stopping. They watch with bated breath as Cameron rides past them.

He unstrapped the scroll and unfolds it. Once again he glanced at the words, the letter was for two people; a letter to Valeria and a map to England. Lucius had always promised him he would show him the way to his homeland and that would happen only if he was going to die, but until then, he will protect him, no matter what.

He tore the scroll in half, separating the map from the letter. He has a job to do, he leaned on a column, pacing at the ceiling of the hallway. No one noticed him as he walked past them, and he arrived in the room where his master's wife resides. A guard stopped him before he could enter, he would throw his fist at him but instead of being angry he apologized profusely and requested he sees the Queen alone.

After knocking on the door he entered the room, Valeria stood near her window where she always gazes at the starless sky.

"Irene, I would like to be alone now."

"It's Cameron, your Grace." He replied, hanging his head downwards, it could be a bad idea to break the news to her or even look at her face.

"Cameron!" She gasped with relief, turning toward him, "you are here, that means they have returned." Her eyes widen expecting word from him.

"No…" His voice breaks as he gradually raises his head to look at her, his expression was disclosed and agony was written all over his countenance.

She left his face and sank into her bed like she was pushed. He walked slowly toward her and stood in front of her.

"Where is he?" Her voice cracked.

"I'm so sorry, he won't be coming home this time, the Ronans sabotaged us and his Grace was killed…"

The last phrase was torture to her mind, she pressed her palms on her face tightly as she mourns the death of the man she loved dearly. Cameron took her face between his palms and wiped away the tears, "Your Grace… please get up."

"Why? Why is this happening?" She whined.

"I'm so sorry, your Majesty, but you need to stay strong for the people, at least Rufus." He said softly and hands her the half part of the scroll.

"He wrote you a letter."

She took the letter, taking a step backwards away from him to read alone.

"Valeria,

My dearest, my love, my life, my everything, it hurts me to say goodbye. I hope I made you happy, you deserve it. This pain will pass eventually. There will come a time when this will hurt less, until then, you need to keep moving forward. Do not lose faith in yourself, I love you. Please don't give up on our son. I promise you this day will never end. You have my word. My love, my soul mate, my light, my life. Remember that, even in the darkest moment, you are still the brightest, the strongest person I ever met. I can feel death calling, that is why I write you this letter. Don't let go of me until after my heart is gone.

You have to continue living, you have a family to raise and cherish.

Always remember,

I love you forever and always.

Yours until the day of eternity."

The tears started flowing again as she hugged the torn parchment. The sound of sobbing could be heard in the whole room.

Irene Pulcher entered the chamber and discovered her queen, a crying woman on her knees. Tears were flowing freely through her delicate features, making them look even more beautiful than usual. Cameron glimpsed at the torn paper in his hands and placed it aside. He swerved around and gaped at Irene as she hurriedly walked past him to meet the queen.

"Your majesty, there is one more thing you need to know," He spoke softly but loud enough for her ears to pick.

"Yes, go on." Valeria wiped her tears as she turned toward him.

"I saw Naevus, he's been working with the Ronans"

"What!" Whispered Valeria as her face wrinkled at the news.

Irene frowned, "I knew he wasn't trustworthy."

"He murdered Lucius!" Cameron proceeded, looking down.

Both women gasped and turn their heads to him. Valeria loured and clenched her fists tight,

"All this while he was away, he was plotting against my husband"

"What do we do,"—Irene gestured with hands open—"now that we have known Naevus has betrayed his people."

The trio took a glance at each other.