A Dragons Heart

Chapter 23 Death

The Capital Of Zera

Victoria stood alone in her cell. The hour of her execution quickly approaching. She believed this to be God's will. This would be her way of paying for her sins. Even if she was to use her magic to escape she would be found sooner or later. She knew that the fact her father marked her as a traitor was because he no longer needed her.

After all who would want a pawn who refuses to be a pawn. There was no escape for her. She was sad of course. She didn't want to die. But perhaps it was the only way. Tears filled her eyes as she recalled her favorite memories.

When both her sister was born. When she helped her brother learn the sword. When she and her siblings would sneak out of the castle. Even when she and Arthur helped Marianna to escape. Though her life was hell and full of many regrets, she did have good memories.

"I wonder how Marianna will react when she finds out of my death" Victoria said as she sat up against the wall leaning her head on the wall. Victoria knew Mari would be sad but would she be angry? Would she add Victoria in for her revenge. And... what if Arthur broke his promise, and fought in the war. Marianna would lose both her siblings.

"Princess Victoria Andrea Sengrid it is time" a guard said approaching the cell. Victoria stood up as he opened the cell door. She turned around putting her hands behind her back allowing the guard to bind her hands. The guard then slowly walked her out of the. A line of guards went through the dungeon.

Victoria's face showed no fear as she continued to walk. Then one of the captains stopped her. "If you wish to escape now is your chance your highness" the captain said. "Do me a favor sir Jon" Victoria said. "Anything your highness" he replied. "I wish for you to be the one to tell my sister, Marianna of my fate. I wish for you to stay by her side and protect her, fight for her and when she becomes queen support her" Victoria said. "I have no doubt Marianna will bring peace to this hell of an empire, she is the saving grace of Zera, both her and her dragons" Victoria added. "I understand your highness" Captain Jon said with a bow. Then stepped out of her way. Victoria continued to walk.

When she finally made it out of the dungeon, the sun blinded her for a moment. What a beautiful day. She thought. The crowd was large. It was obvious the king wished for as many as possible to see her execution. After all her death would be a message, not only to the people but to Marianna, that he would kill even his own blood to get what he wants.

Victoria saw the king sitting on a throne in a small tower. Her brother Arthur stood behind the king. Arthur's face was full of pain, she could tell even from a distance that her brother did not want to see her death.

Victoria walked up the wooden steps onto the stage. The guard who walked with her stopped her from continuing on and as the king stood up Victoria just stared at the guillotine.

"I welcome you the people of Zera to the execution of the traitor Victoria Andrea Sengrid" the king said through a magical device that projected his voice. "She has been charged with treason in the highest degree" he added "do you have any last words" the king asked with a glare.

Victoria looked at the king for a second, then looked towards the crowd. "A storm Is coming, one that will kill many" Victoria said then turned and looked at her father "but after every storm the sun will shine, and the dragon will awaken to claim its right" Victoria added. "My final gift to you father a future that even you can't change" Victoria finished. She continued to stare at the king, and the king stared back at her.

The guard behind her gave her a push, telling her to continue forward. And so she did. Victoria took slow steps but even she couldn't delay her own death. She soon made it to the guillotine.

She looked it up and down then focused on the blade. This was how she was to die. She let out a shakey deep breath, almost as if she had been holding it, then slowly got down on her knees. And with another shakey breath put her head down on the bottom half of the Lunette, then the guard put the top part of the Lunette Down on her neck locking her into place.

This was it, this was how she was to die. Was she afraid? Of course who wouldn't be. But Victoria Andrea Sengrid would not ket her fear be known. She would not let her father the king win in that aspect. Death was a common thing and this was how she was to die, by the will of God. Perhaps, maybe in her next life she could do better. That was if God was kind enough to let her do better.

In the crowd Victoria could see the captain Jon, whom she made such a large request. He was a good man. One who pitied her. She knew that he would complete her last wish. She gave him a nod and he nodded back to her. Then she smiled. This was how it was supposed to be. This was her repentance.

The executioner walked over to the guillotine and grabbed the release, he wore a mask and was silent. Perhaps he wished for the people he killed not to see his face. Live well my sister and brother. Victoria thought as she closed her beautiful violet eyes. In her last moment she wished for the people of zera to not see the light leave her eyes.

Then the executioner pulled the release.

And Victoria's life was over

TO BE CONTINUED