Alistar’s head pounded violently in his head as he leaned against the balcony in his office that looked over the Royal Gardens, just behind the front of the Palace. He had been feeling ill for weeks now, slowly loosing strength as his body fought on to maintain some sense of normalcy for the sake of his daughter and his people who slowly began to notice his abnormal behavior. Wave after wave of nausea crashed over him as his vision blurred in front of him. His legs gave out as he slumped down against the cool stone floor, resting his head against the rails.
He sat there for some time in the darkness, faintly illuminated by the pale light from the Arcanium lanterns that lit the gardens below as he closed his weary eyes. The beating of his heart was irregular, struggling to keep the pace needed to keep him conscious as he struggled to pull himself up. The harder he tried to lift himself, the harder his heart and his muscles struggled, screaming in pain as they began to gridlock, stranding him there unable to move. The faint sound of knocking on the doors a few feet away stirred him from his drift into unconsciousness long enough for him to whisper loud enough for whoever it was to come to his aid. His daughter, Alyssa, heard his whisper and opened the door only to rush to his side and knelt down beside him encasing his hand in hers. “Father, are you alright?” asked Alyssa worryingly as hot tears streamed down her cheeks. Alistar struggled to lift his head, his cool blue eyes focusing on her as he slowly nodded while trying to smile. After forcing himself to stay alive, he put the rest of his strength into his mind, where he spoke to her using his weakening power of telepathy.
“My daughter, my body is broken. I didn’t want you to find out this way, but my body is dying. I’ve been struggling with this since your father died and I have been trying so hard to fight to be here for you.” Alyssa stood there, shaking her head in denial. Alistar felt her pain, and lifted his hand to stroke a stand of hair from her face as Alyssa spoke to him. “Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Alyssa as she struggled to maintain he composure. “I didn’t want you to worry about my health.." said Alistar as his voice faltered feeling his last remaining strength failing. “I have tried so hard to stay alive for you, but not even our strongest magic could stop death. Instead, it has given me the strength to postpone it long enough to see you grow into the strong woman you are today.” “There has to be something that can be done to save you!” replied Alyssa desperately. “There isn’t. I have already spoken to Mael, he has agreed that he will preside over my final arrangements to not burden you.” said Alistar as his heart slowed further, his voice now just barel audible as a low whisper. “Now that my time has come, it’s time for you to become the Alpha of our species and to rule our Kingdom. Your father and I am so proud of you, and I will always watch over you..” whispered Alistar as the light of life faded from his eyes, he lifted his hand and placed it over her heart as a single tear fell from his closing eyes. His chest ceased moving as he slumped back, his heart silent as Alyssa howled out in agony as she held her father for the last time, cursing the Gods for taking her family from her.
The Next Morning..
The streets of Sol Vera fell silent as the sun rose over the city the next morning as the new of Alistar's death spread like wildfire. All businesses were shut down as life ground to a halt. All eyes then turned to Alyssa, who was the only heir to the Throne. She was broken on the inside, fighting to stay strong for the millions who now looked to her for leadership and guidance during this crucial moment in History. The High Elder Mael turned to face the soon-to-be Queen and could only imagine the fear and sadness that now plagued her. She was like a daughter he never had, and patted her shoulder as she buried herself in his chest, seeking comfort in him as he informed her of the memorial service. "Your father would want you to stay strong my dear." said Mael in a strained voice. "I know." whispered Alyssa as she pulled herself together. "If you could take care of the rest, I would want to take charge of the arrangements for the memorial service." Mael hesitated, then sighed as he faintly smiled. "Of course, my Queen." Alyssa frowned upon hearing that, not willing to accept her new position of power, always seeing it as her father's rightful place. Now that he was gone, she tried her best to survive until this was all said and done, fearing what the future held for her.
From the Office of Alyssa Gregorio, Queen of the Unified Socialist Kingdom of Arcadonisia
Greetings to all Allies of Arcadonisia and the International community,
It is with great sorrow that I announce that my father, King Alistar Gregorio IV has passed away in the late evening hours last night. As the only surviving heir to his Throne, I now ascend to fulfill my duties to carry on his legacy and have been officially declared Queen of Arcadonisia, in accordance with our rites.
I have come to inform you that all have been formally invited to come to celebrate the life of my deceased father and to join us in remembering the legacy my father created. The memorial service will be held at the Grand Temple in Sol Vera and will be followed by a special ceremony dedicated to placing his remains in the Royal Cemetery Outside the Palace grounds. For those interested, my coronation ceremony will be held three days following the memorial service. Please make reservations to reserve your place, as available space is limited.
Yours,