[i]"What my husband did before his death?"[/i] Sarah had asked her surviving servant. Right after she arrived at her home, where her beloved husband lay sundered apart. [i]"And with whom? Was it [i]that[/i] wizard?"[/i]

[i]"They said they were king's agents. They were accompanied by a bear, an elf, and a masked man. After that, a fight broke." [/i]

Sarah had come prepared, the moment she entered this building, her faith was steadfast, there must be a good reason for it. The king would listen to her grievance, and she would listen to his reason.  She had well past the denial, anger, and bargaining. All she needed was an explanation. If it was some kind of punishment, she would gladly accept. If there was something she need to reimburse, should give her possession. She just wanted a talk, not [i]this[/i]. 



A wave of shame and anger washed Sarah Kruber when the bear uttered his first word. Good? There was nothing good with her situation. Her husband was dead, and her home thrashed beyond repair. And now she had to attend a banquet to celebrate the promotion of people that might murder her husband?!

Next words struck like thunder. Sarah froze, prepared she was, but it was still hurting nonetheless. The bear was still speaking, but all Sarah could hear were foggy words, almost nonsensical save some keywords that further drew her ire.  

[i]All that ruckus, just to explain this? The stains hadn't even dried yet![/i]

She was shaking, trying to wriggle free from debilitating grief. She looked at her children, their faces were a mixture of sadness and confusion. And while the bear's words remained hazy noises, something snapped when the nobleman beside her quipped the summary. 

[b][i]"Looks like he will be your new housemaster. How pitiful..." [/i][/b]

A sudden shock and anger flared in her like never before. [i]How dare he![/i] She stood up, and the words were no longer hidden.

"You, I know you, you were one of the murderers! I asked [i]why[/i] are you here? Was it to gloat?!" she panted, her voice was thick and reckless. She walked from her table shivering, blood thundered in her face as her outrage rose, deviant and irrational. Her eyes, wet with tears now locked at cedar.  

[b]"We don't need your pity! How dare you!"[/b] she shouted, loud, clear, and full of anguish all of the attention was now directed at her and Cedar. And for a split second, she glanced at the robed king on his throne. Majestic, powerful, and unreachable. While Cedar, the one she believed represented his Will, was here; big, reachable. An easy target. 

[b]"I-I just want an answer! Why did you kill him?! A-are you not going to tell me?"[/b] she pleaded, barely a second before her voice cracked in utter disgust. [b]"No? Then tell your majesty I hope he is satisfied with my husband's sacrifice!"  [/b]
 
[b]"Come on, Dunand, Elaine. We have done enough for the crown today!"[/b]

It was a mess. The music ceased, and so was all the dancing. The servant sprung awake to defuse the situation, but as they got there, Sarah Kruber had already made her way toward the exit. 

[b]"Leave us be! I can leave by myself!" [/b]

Besides the guards and some servants. A certain journalist could be seen rushing to catch up with the widow and her children, peddling the name of his agency and the importance of her testimony. Silence engulfed the entire hall, following reproving murmurs that spread like wildfire. The annoying 'uncle' left his seat and joined his partner, seeking another group to mingle. 

Only one person could be seen smiling triumphantly.