Chapters 11 & 12: Farewells & The Queen in Solitude Summary

The Queen feels haunted by her husband's death. In the days that follow, she imagines his hand resting on her shoulder, his voice booming through the hallways, his silhouette in the distance. In the weeks the follow, the Slave has not shown his face in the mirror and the Queen finds herself craving his visit. If the Slave can see into the heart of man, maybe he can see into the netherworld, maybe he can assure her that the King's soul is safe. Despite her desires, the Queen feels utterly alone during the funeral ceremony. The King's relatives attend from far and wide, including his triplet cousins. Too exhausted to remind the sisters of their banishment, the Queen orders a room to be readied for their arrival. After the funeral, the Queen lies...