117: The Funeral

The Funeral

When the hour of the night arrived, and supper came to a close, almost everyone retired to their respective quarters. This included Anastasia, who was accompanied by Theresa to her room before the older woman took her leave.

Anastasia hadn't been able to find an opportunity to talk with the Mother Queen as she had intended to, and somewhere within her, she was hesitant after hearing what Queen Maya had said to her. After spending a few more minutes in her room, she stepped out and gazed down the deserted corridor before moving her feet towards Dante's room. 

Raising her hand, she knocked on the door and announced her presence, saying, "It is me, Anastasia." 

But Anastasia didn't receive any response, making her wonder if she should check inside. After all, during her previous nighttime visit, even though he had been in his room, he hadn't acknowledged her. Her hand reached for the doorknob, but before she could turn it, she released her grip. 

She took a step back, and her back brushed against something. Upon turning around, she saw Dante looming above her. She didn't know when he had crept up behind her and said, 

"I—I thought of visiting you." 

Dante noticed how Anastasia's eyes momentarily shifted away from his to look left and right as if searching for something. She appeared shaken, her breathing slightly accelerated, and her eyes alert. He asked her, 

"Why didn't you step inside? Change your mind?" 

Anastasia shook her head and replied, "I thought you weren't in there."

"Next time, you can wait for me inside, or you can wait for me to find you," Dante said, looking intently into her brown eyes. Leaning forward slightly, his hand reached behind her to grasp the doorknob before swinging the door open. "After you." 

She stepped into the room, and Dante followed after her, closing the door behind him. The soft click of the door was enough to make her heart hitch, which he took note of. She watched him sit down on the couch and heard him say, 

"Take a seat." Anastasia complied, leaving a gap about the width of a person between them, her hands resting on her lap. He asked her, "Have you settled well into your new room?" 

"I am still getting used to it," Anastasia replied, considering less than a day had passed since she had moved in, and she had spent most of her time outside of it rather than within its walls.

"If you require anything, let Norrix know, and he will arrange it for you. Except for a ship for you to sail away in," Dante said, his tone serious, but the look in his eyes held a touch of mirth. "The seamstress will visit shortly to take your measurements, and to ensure everything is of good taste, I will be present when she does."

"I already have sufficient dresses," Anastasia assured him. 

"Those ones have been worn by other courtesans, and you aren't one anymore. You are my woman now, and there are certain articles of clothing that you will come to appreciate, just as much as I will, made just for you," Dante explained as he noticed the question in the young woman's eyes, tinged with wariness. He said, "Looks like the nerves shaken by this noon's bloodbath haven't settled down yet." 

Anastasia didn't know how to respond, because what he said was true. But at the same time, she was also wary of him after what they did together in the dining room. Even though he hadn't joined the family for dinner, his previous actions had etched a memory that served as a constant reminder of his presence. She asked him, 

"Do all demons from the underworld have that kind of power?" 

"To kill with a mere snap of their fingers?" Dante verified her question and saw her nod in response. "No, not all of them possess such capabilities. Each demon holds different abilities, but only the high-ranking ones wield such power," he explained. Despite being the one who had sought him out, as if an unforeseen force had drawn her here, her heart continued to race. He inquired, "Was there something you needed?"

"I wanted to talk about tomorrow's funeral," Anastasia proceeded cautiously, as this was a family matter and even though she had been recently promoted to the role of his exclusive concubine, she was aware that there were restrictions that came with the position. 

"What about it?" Dante asked, watching her shift in her seat. "You don't want to attend it?" 

"No, it's not that," Anastasia replied, her eyes briefly averting from his before returning to meet his gaze once again. She said, "I was wondering if you could allow Queen Maya to have a final glimpse of King Maxwell before he is buried. Just one time…" Her voice trailed when she noticed his eyes narrow. 

"No."

Dante left no space for discussion, but Anastasia had specifically come here to address the matter. She said, "We don't know for sure if she was the one who ordered that I be thrown into the sea, so doesn't that imply she is innocent until proven guilty?" 

"She's guilty enough to merit a stay in the dungeon, even without having you thrown in the sea," Dante responded curtly, his red eyes beginning to glow. He added, "It would be best for you to focus on yourself, not on others."

"But—"

"Anastasia," Dante's voice turned cold, as if displeased with her supporting anyone other than him. "While you may not have directly experienced it, I haven't forgotten how my poor mother suffered at the hands of the people inhabiting this palace. The memory of them humiliating her isn't something I can ever look past, and it would be in your best interest not to advocate for them. Else it will only make me feel that you support their past actions and are purposely going against me." 

Anastasia felt a shiver run down her spine in response to his words. It was because, even though Dante remained the same old Dante with his love and care for his family, there was also this new side to him, one where an intense fire blazed with the potential to scorch those who drew near. 

"I never intended to support the ones who have hurt you and Lady Lucretia," Anastasia replied to him. "I was only considering how it would have felt if I could not see my sister in the past…" 

"Unlike them, who mocked and degraded my mother and me, you have been your kind self to everyone," Dante replied before his tone turned gentle towards her when he said, "You are a pure soul. An untouched rabbit, and I prefer to keep you that way." 

Was this his way of advising her not to involve herself in matters like these? Anastasia asked in her mind. But dragging the issue out would only amplify existing bitterness, perpetuating a never-ending cycle. 

"What were you doing in the dungeon, talking to her?" Dante questioned, and seeing her eyes subtly widen, he asked her, "Did you think I wouldn't know about it?" 

"The palace holds no bounds for you; I wouldn't have gone as far as to assume that you wouldn't," Anastasia replied, and a faint smile appeared on Dante's lips, which made her question if it was truly there. She was well aware that news of her visit to Queen Maya would inevitably reach his ears. 

"No, you wouldn't have," Dante replied to her words. 

Seeing her attempt had failed, Anastasia wondered whether it was time to return to her room. Her gaze once again swept across his room, and with a hint of scepticism, she inquired, "Where is that—thing?"

"Migdre?" Dante asked and saw her nod. "He's gone on an errand and should return in a few days, depending on how fast he moves."

"Is that how you would look too? Once you transform completely?" Anastasia asked, feeling Dante's eyes staring intensely at her, making it hard for her to rise. 

A small chuckle escaped from Dante's lips, his eyes never leaving her, and he explained, "There are various kinds of demons residing in the underworld. He and I belong to distinct kinds, with differing roles in the hierarchy. He's an imp, a loyal one at that, who has served me faithfully for many centuries."

"Centuries?" Anastasia asked, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

"Time in the underworld is endless," Dante subtly replied to her. He added, "You should go and get some sleep, unless you are looking for company."

Anastasia didn't know whether it was her interpretation of Dante's words, inferring a deeper meaning than he intended, that was the reason her heartbeat increased. She was about to leave when she caught a glimpse of hollowness in his eyes, prompting her to offer, 

"I can stay here a little longer… before returning to my room."

Dante appeared intrigued by her offer and asked with slight amusement, "You look scared, yet you willingly want to stay here?" 

Of course, she was, Anastasia said to herself. She had witnessed too many deaths and had been surrounded by the pervasive scent of blood at the scene. However, he had just lost his brother today, and she wanted to return the favour he had extended to her in the past. It was strange to think that the siblings they each had lost had been in love with each other. 

"A few minutes should be alright. If there is anything you wish to speak about," Anastasia replied to him. 

Dante emitted a soft hum, as if not expecting that to be her answer, all the while prepared to watch her leave at any moment. 

Not that he would have minded, because it was an expected reaction. Yet, this earthling went against the norm, even going as far as to demand her freedom, which he found endearing. He took note of her stiff shoulders and the hastening rhythm of her breath. He stated, 

"I am impressed by your courage and stubbornness, which I must say is also a little troubling." 

"Why?" Anastasia asked, noticing his hand reach for hers, which was resting on her lap. 

"For several reasons," Dante replied, not answering her completely. He continued, "Because along with that also comes naiveness and a lack of understanding about certain situations. Do you think it is smart of you to stay here with me, knowing well what I am capable of?"

"You promised not to hurt me," Anastasia quickly breathed when his voice lowered, the weight of the silence accentuating his words. 

Dante's head cocked to the side as he replied, "You know what I am talking about." His fingers lightly pressed the tips of hers, stirring a small wave of sensation in her stomach. 

She knew, Anastasia said to herself. But she had her reasons for being here, aiming to avoid carrying her heavy heart and thoughts to bed. Her eyes lowered to their joined hands, and she asked him, "Why did you want to destroy the living world?" 

"In this realm, when individuals pass away, they either ascend or descend. There was a time when rampant malevolence thrived, transforming certain souls in the underworld and exacerbating the already prevalent turmoil. It is better to eliminate the problem at the root rather than allow it an opportunity to rise. We demons cannot resist the scent of blood."

"But innocent people existed along them too," Anastasia replied, feeling him gently press another one of her fingertips as his slender fingers caressed her hand. 

"Unfortunately, they had to bear the consequences in the past," Dante's nonchalant tone worried her, making her wonder if he would replicate his past actions. "Take Maxwell, for example. Despite his aspirations for other outcomes, his mother's actions ultimately drove him to take his own life."

"Does that mean that Marianne is in heaven, then?" Anastasia asked, meeting Dante's eyes, to which he offered her a nod. 

"Yes, unless she murdered someone or did something heinous," Dante responded. Earlier today, he had detected a twinge of disappointment in her eyes after realising that Maxwell hadn't been resurrected. "She's in a better place. Your sister." 

Anastasia nodded, "Thank you." She had been consoling her mind with the same thoughts, believing that Marianne was now at peace rather than still here, witnessing death and suffering. She wished she could say the same about Dante's brother, but from what she understood, he was in hell. 

"Curious about the place I come from?" Dante's hand had moved down Anastasia's fingers, gently massaging her hand while he talked to her. "I have to pay a visit there soon, and you are welcome to accompany me." 

Anastasia's eyes subtly widened at his suggestion, "I thought only dead people could gain entry."  2

"There are a few exceptions, and you will be travelling with me," Dante replied. 

"I think I am good not visiting it," Anastasia answered, unsure whether or not she wanted to enter a realm inhabited by the deceased. When she noticed his lips curl up, she swiftly added, "I think I should go to sleep now."

"Probably for the best," Dante responded, and they both rose to their feet. Before Anastasia could leave the room, he gently lifted the hand he hadn't yet released and pressed a kiss to the back of it, "Goodnight, Anastasia." 

The following day, the funeral of King Maxwell Blackthorn took place. The members of the royal family assembled in front of the mausoleum alongside the ministers of the royal court. Four guards attired in black garments carried the deceased man's body while the rest of the attendees stood in a sombre gathering. 

Anastasia had followed the procession inside the marble building, where the Mother Queen's husband and son were already laid to rest. Most of those present wore sorrowful expressions, while a few remained devoid of emotion, among them Dante and the Mother Queen. 

"As per the wish and the decree of the royal family, King Maxwell will be interred in this mausoleum," proclaimed the priest officiating the funeral ceremony. 

"I cannot believe he is dead," Niyasa sobbed, her eyes swollen as she watched her brother being laid on the prepared platform. "How could he do it?" she mumbled, with Emily standing beside her, offering solace. Despite their varying perspectives and their different mothers, Maxwell was their brother. 

Anastasia watched Emily put an arm around her younger sister, gently rubbing her shoulder. Her eyes moved around the interior. In the end, Queen Maya was not allowed to leave the dungeon to bid farewell to her son. 

She knew the woman had committed wrongdoings against her family, but Anastasia couldn't help but feel sorry for her regarding this matter. She also recognised that things could have been worse, with Dante refusing to provide a burial spot for Maxwell, and she was glad that it hadn't come to that. Even though a demon, traces of the old Dante still remained within him. 

Anastasia turned to look over her shoulder, noticing the ministers outside whispering among themselves. 

The priest continued with his recitation from the book he carried, and once he concluded the prayers, bricks were placed atop the resting place until the body was fully enclosed. 

When it was time to step outside, Anastasia observed each member of the royal family beginning to depart after offering their prayers at King Maxwell's burial chamber. She couldn't help but note how the members of the family, except for Lady Sophia and Lady Noor's children, did not extend their respect to the other two burial spots. 

This also included the Mother Queen, who didn't stop as she passed her husband's or her son's resting places. Their actions suggested a lack of closeness between them or perhaps some anger towards them. Niyasa didn't leave the mausoleum, choosing to stay behind after the others had already left. 

"Prince Dante, is it true that you killed an Elder minister?!" inquired one of the lowly ministers from the royal court just before the royal family members were about to make their way back to the palace. 

Dante stared at the curious faces of the men present, and he replied, "He wanted to show me my place, and I demonstrated his. It is not a matter that should concern you."

"You have broken the law, Prince Dante!" another man fretted over the matter. "If we associate ourselves with you, the Elder ministers will think that we endorse the killing of Mattieu." 

"He was the one who arrived with baseless accusations. He also used his power in an attempt to force my grandson into submission," the Mother Queen stated, her voice carrying enough volume for everyone to hear her. 

"Word has it that a member of the royal family requested his involvement in handling the matter of King Maxwell's death. To be more precise, it was Princess Niyasa," another minister divulged. 

When Dante took a step forward, the ministers quickly retreated two to three steps back, as they had already heard about the massacre that had taken place within the palace. A small smile appeared on his lips, which left an unsettling feeling in the minister's stomach. He addressed the matter, 

"As you're well aware, our family is grieving following the king's death. My sister is confused and in pain, as one would naturally be under such circumstances, and isn't of sound mind, which is why she summoned the Elder minister, a decision she's very regretful about. However, he crossed the line by presuming his measly ability could dismantle the authority of the Blackthorn rule in conjunction with others." Dante's voice was calm as he looked at each of them in turn. 

Dante then turned to look at his family and said, "You should return to the palace. I will join you once I am done talking with the court members."

Anastasia's eyes met Dante's, and his gaze didn't hold its usual warmth. Instead, there was something menacing lurking underneath. He looked away from her, allowing her to leave the place, and she walked away alongside the others. 

"Prince Dante, there will be a backlash from the Elder ministers. They won't remain passive over this matter, and the information will reach them before long," said a minister in his sixties. "Anyone who has dared to challenge them in the past has been vanquished, and their kingdom conquered to fall under their control, including executing its king and the entire royal family." 

"I would like to see them try," Dante remarked. "It is protocol for them to convene and hold a discussion before they make a decision, and considering that the first Elder isn't returning from the East anytime soon, it gives us plenty of time to prepare." And conquer the kingdoms under the rule of the Elder ministers, he thought to himself. 

The minister who had spoken previously asked, "Prince Dante, when would you prefer the coronation to be held for you?" 

"I do not agree with this!" the minister behind him interjected. "Treason has occurred here. First, the king dies, and then the Elder minister. This conduct is preposterous!" 

Anastasia, who had only just settled inside the palanquin, wondered if Dante had returned to the spot where Oasis awaited him. Driven by curiosity, she gently pulled the sheer curtain to the side. However, when her gaze landed outside, she caught sight of a minister speaking heatedly before suddenly dropping to his knees and collapsing on the ground. 

Another death...

Back near the mausoleum, the ministers looked scared once again. Dante inquired, "Anyone else who wishes to withdraw from their position in the court?" 

The ministers vigorously shook their heads and began to sweat in fear. Dante's eyes then shifted to look at the person who had asked the question earlier, and he responded, "There won't be a coronation, as it already took place many years ago."

Dante turned to leave when one of the ministers mustered up the courage to inquire and asked, "W—when did that happen?" 

"Before you were born." 

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