Chapter59: Comfort in the Chaos

*Maerilee* I sit by the window of my chambers, the stone seat beneath me chilled despite the fire burning low behind me. Outside, my kingdom glows orange and gold with the fires still burning from our enemies. Smoke rises into the sky, making it nearly impossible to tell if it’s night or day. Not that I’ve been paying much attention anyway. Time means nothing anymore. Akin may have died days ago, or seconds for all I know. There’s no telling how long it’s been, I just know that there is a definite split in time. Before Akin died, everything made sense. After, everything crumbled into ash. I know I can’t let this grief swallow me. I know that I have to show up for my people and for myself. But it feels like there’s nothing left to live for, and that alone keeps me glued to this bench, staring aimlessly at my kingdom on fire. There’s some hope, though. Where I’ve faltered, Brook stood up and took charge. He gave the army a strategy to hold onto. When I’m able to focus, I hear about their