C20 The Queen's Dilemma

Laura's POV:

The smell of damp earth and sorrow hung heavy in the air as I stood amidst mourners, an inescapable weight that tugged my chest flat. My hands were bunched hard into fists at my sides, the cool breeze giving little relief to the rising heat beneath my skin. I saw Alex approach from the corner of my eye, his stride purposeful, gaze fixed on me. Already