The queen stared silently at Catherine for several moments, clearly waiting for Catherine to continue.

Catherine took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a brief moment, preparing herself for whatever questions the queen had going through her mind. Taking another deep breath, she began.

"My father is dead."

The queen's eyes widened as she listened. She slowly nodded her head, prompting Catherine to go on.

"He had just died yesterday evening. We buried him the day before yesterday." Catherine continued.

When she received no reaction from the queen, she continued, "We were supposed to have gone to visit our aunt at Dexter kingdom this morning, but when we...