I saw my mother in her chambers where she hardly ventured out these days and had a few softly spoken words with her.

I did not share my real reasons for the trip with her, but still she was pleased to see her son showing an interest in his kingdom, and wholly approved of the steps I was taking.

I knew her heart was broken, never to be mended. Who can understand better than I? After all, when the other half of your heart goes missing, how can you expect to find joy in ...