Funeral

Vienna, northern suburbs.

A small tombstone stood on Kahlenberg, within the grounds of the Vienna Royal Women's College. Few people attended the funeral.

Yet, if anyone knew the true identities of those present, they would surely be astonished by the high profile of this ceremony.

"Lord God, we gather here today to commemorate our sister, Pereni Schaffer. Her departure reflects the common plight of humanity and the fleeting nature of our mortal lives.

But through Christ, You have revealed to us that death is not the end, nor does it strip away the various graces You have bestowed upon man.

Heavenly Father, as we are Your children who share in the salvation of Your Son and possess the hope of eternal life, we beseech You to receive our sister, Pereni Schaffer, into the heavenly home promised by Your Son.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever."

Archbishop Rauscher closed the scripture and made the sign of the cross over his chest.

The crowd followed suit, crossing themselves: "Amen!"

The atmosphere was oppressive, for everything had happened too suddenly. A young woman who had just begun to show her brilliance had left this world in such a violent and hurried manner.

Archduke Franz had thought it was only the beginning, but he had not expected it to come to an end so quickly.

Beyond the suddenness, there was a maddening sense of despair. The murderer of Pereni Schaffer was her own brother, and Henry Schaffer had committed suicide in prison immediately after his arrest.

As for whether it was a suicide out of guilt or a silencing by murder, that remained unknown.

The Schaffer family were, in fact, loyalists. The entire family was quite mediocre, holding