There were plenty of other individuals and families in the same predicament. Because the Queen had ostensibly given her permission for anyone to stay if they wished, about a fourth of the crowd made no move to join the return procession.
Lord Alfwin left his family's side to tell his monarch, "If it proves needful, Queen, my family and I shall avail of a carriage to return. Whether we'd need one or not, it would be best that we wait for the streets to clear. I beg for your understanding."
"Of course."
With that simple agreement, the Queen began to lead the procession back. Among those who opted to go with her, some scurried to fall in line but many took their own time.
Behind his look of indifference, Leal scoffed in disdain at those scurrying individuals who did not seem to have heal
