Her Royal Highness, Bryna Bellamy-Gallagher, or the Queen Mam as her family referred to her, sat at her desk and for the first time in over forty years, she wanted to run away. Her younger son was making more sense than ever, his desire to wander the globe seemed to be a better decision in light of the tragic event. She looked back down at her desk; Sophie Jordan's phone number seemed to glare at her. Bryna had never had to tell someone their family had passed away, not a stranger anyway. She had told the boys when their father passed, but this was something entirely different. Picking up the phone, Bryna dialed the number and waited.
"Hello, this is Sophie," A sweet voice answered.
"Hello Sophie," Bryna said, her voice clear and strong despite how her heart was pounding, "My name is Bryna Bellamy-Gallagher, your sister is my son's wife."
"Oh, wow...can you hold for a second please?"
Bryna could hear rustling and someone else talking. She wondered if Nan's sister was anything like her. Bryna respected and loved Nanette, losing her was just as devastating as losing Quinlan.
"I'm sorry about that," Sophie said after a minute had passed, "I needed to excuse myself. I saw the newspaper article. I'm still in shock."
"I am terribly sorry you had to find out from a newspaper," Bryna told her, "Unfortunately the paparazzi are like sharks. I was calling to deliver the terrible news and ask you to come for the funeral. Both Quinlan and Nanette will be buried in the royal cemetery in three days' time. I hope the children will feel comforted by you being here."
"Oh, I don't know..." Sophie replied, "They don't even know me."
"I will send the airfare and you will stay on the grounds with family," Bryna insisted, "Please say you'll come."
"Okay," Sophie said, "I will come. When will I leave?"
"I've taken the liberty of looking up flight schedules for you," Bryna told her, "You'll leave in twelve hours from the O'Hare Airport. I look forward to meeting you. I'm sorry for your loss."
They said their goodbyes and Bryna returned the telephone to its dock. It had been considerably easier than she thought it would be. She couldn't help but feel relieved that Sophie didn't to mention custody of the children. From what little Nanette had told her, Sophie was not the type to settle down with children and Bryna hoped that meant Sophie wouldn't throw a fit over the children. If she did, Bryna knew she could very well win the case as the children shared citizenship with the US. Not to mention, there was nobody to take over guardianship if Finn didn't agree to take over the throne until Briley was old enough to inherit. Commitment wasn't Finnegan's strong point and Bryna was good enough of a mother to realize her son lacked the desire. If Finnegan refused, Bryna didn't know what would happen to the kingdom. Surely her late husband's nephew, Gregor, would be happy to take over, but Bryna just couldn't allow that. Gregor was a deplorable person and Bryna detested him as much as Raghnall had.
Without giving it a coherent thought, Bryna found herself wandering slowly toward the cottage on the back of the property where Brawley, her late husband's political advisor, still lived. Brawley had been Raghnall's closest friend since they were teenagers. When Raghnall took the throne, Brawley became his advisor, learning the laws of the country while Raghnall learned how to lead. Brawley never married, devoting himself to the King and his family. Bryna was fond of him for that. When Raghnall died, Brawley's apprentice, a young man Quinlan's age named Cargan, took over and Brawley retired, unable to consider working beside anyone but his old friend. Bryna had given him the cottage to live in because she couldn't imagine sending Brawley out to the streets to live. The royal family was the only family he had. Bryna could have gone to Cargan but her fondness for Brawley brought her to his door.
"Good evening Bryna," Brawley said from the doorway with a smile, "I saw you coming up my path. Can I make you some tea?"
"Some brandy would sit better I think," Bryna replied.
"I have some of that as well," Brawley said, putting his arm around her, "Been a tough day I imagine."
"The worst since I lost dear Raghnall. I called Nan's sister; the girl had heard from a newspaper. She'll be heading this way soon, for the funeral."
"Did you have any luck with Finn?"
"Finnegan is a complicated young man," Bryna said, "I don't think I can get him to stay."
Brawley set the brandy glass in front of Bryna and then with a second though, left the bottle too. He had known Bryna since she was fresh faced young queen, still green and ready to change the world. Seeing her so down broke his old heart.
"If he chooses to leave, the kingdom will go to Gregor," Brawley replied sadly.
"I cannot allow that Brawley! I just cannot. There must be some way to keep him here. I wish the law still allowed for Briley to take the throne. I know he is young, but I could do everything until he was ready. What will I do?"
"Raghnall would know exactly what to do," Brawley replied, shaking his head.
The two fell silent, staring into their brandy glasses. In the years that had passed since Raghnall's death, Bryna and Brawley had grown close. If it had been appropriate, Bryna often thought about something more with Brawley. Not only did it make her feel like a bad wife, but it also made her feel guilty. The old laws would never allow for it anyway. Bryna took the last of the brandy in her mouth and swallowed. It burned going down and she decided against refilling the glass.
"I've got it!" Brawley hollered, jumping to his feet, spry for his age, Bryna noted.
He startled Bryna, causing her to drop her glass, sending shards flying. Brawley didn't seem to notice; he was too busy pacing the floor with his fingers at his temples. It was a move Bryna had seen many times over the years. She carefully picked up the glass and threw it away, giving Brawley time to sort his thoughts.
"Do you have a solution, Brawley?" Bryna asked, unable to stand the suspense any longer.
"I think I do Bryna," Brawley replied, "If I'm right, you'll need both Finnegan and Nanette's sister on the island. Come check with me tomorrow, I need to do some research."
"Brawley, if you're right, I could kiss you!" Bryna cheered, and contrary to her regular demeanor, she threw her arms around her old friend.