Letharia’s POV
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The poor had gathered outside the television store windows, gathered around by guards to view the execution. If the poor couldn’t afford to go to the colosseum gaurds dragged them out of their homes to watch a dictator cut off the head of someone who had shed no blood, stealing for his family to survive. Sometimes it was a person who helped those captured girls who had turned into palace slaves to escape or someone who fed the occasional prisoners who criminals meant to die. That man wasn’t going to die today. I backed away from the crowd, sneaking into a dark alley, climbing onto the ladder, and onto the roof. I then descended another later onto the roof of an abandoned church, sneaking inside. I spotted Jessi by the stained glass windows. “I can’t believe we’re going to do this…” he mumbled, sound enough for me to hear. We stood on the floor of the abandoned church. “I hope we’ll all be able to be free after this; I pray to the gods,” he whispered.
He looked up at the statue of Tyche, the Greek god of luck; he sighed. “It’s almost time Letharia, load your silver bullet.”
“I already have,” I said.
I then heard someone come down the room; I ran to where I had placed my gun down and aimed it at the only entrance beside the roof. I cocked my gun as I saw the face of a man I never saw before. “Cody?!”My brother looked as if he had seen a ghost.
“Jessi?” the man had spoken my brother’s name; I had put my gun down as he ran towards my brother, giving him a friendly hug. “I thought most members of sector B died..?” Jessi looked concerned.
“Yeah, they did, but the Krystonian guards helped us escape at the last minute, may the gods bless their king… but yeah, your father sent for me, and here I am; apparently you both need an escort to the coliseum, he asked for me to watch out for Letharia, and I bought her a dress for the execution”.
“There won’t be an execution!” I raised my voice.
“There will be,” he paused.
“Our Rebellion will shed the blood of the prince and king,” he continued.
“You all know what I mean, but wear it and tie your hair up in a bun, for you must look formal in the presence of the king” Cody looked at me.
I rolled my eyes as he handed my brother a tuxedo. We had to look like the rich for us not to be thrown in with the poor. That was the only way to make it into the Coliseum. Once our clothes were on, and we hid our guns, it was time to go. I looked over at Cody and put on my gloves and jewelry, my hair in a braided bun; he smiled at me
" You look stunning...ah now let's go, our ride should be waiting in the front".
I put on my high heels and began to climb the ladder, then back down to the ally, then came Jessi & Cody. We walked into the open until we spotted a limo; I opened the door only to see a strange man grab my hand. "On the way to the execution, I see, would you like a ride?"
That voice sounded familiar, one I haven't heard in a while; the man took off his sunglasses and smiled. "Letharia Angelica Vulpine, how do you not recognize your own uncle."
My father rolled down the window in the front, wearing his ragged clothes instead of a tuxedo. "Get in before you attract attention."
Father sat in the front while I sat in the back with Jessi and Cody. "Letharia," my father called my name.
"Yes, Father."
"Are you nervous"?
"No, Father."
"Good, because we're almost there. All the men I gathered are wearing a silver rose on their suit; they will help you kill if you need assistance."
"Mhm," my eyes had gazed upon the Coliseum; I held Jessi's hand and whispered, "What if----?
"We'll win, sister, we always have".
My uncle smiled and said, "You're just like Letra".
"Don't you dare say her name", Father frowned.
"Really? I can't say my own sister's name? I'm the one who helped you after her death yet I can't say her name, I married my sister off to you, and yet I can't say her name"!
"Shut up"!
"We're here", I said in a solemn tone.
We separated, I stayed with Father, as we passed the cyber security scans, and those green lights would hurt my eyes every time. We sat down in a spot closest to the king, there was an entry fee for those who wanted to be close to royalty. I spotted King Aven in the distance sitting on his throne waiting for the prisoner to come out for the execution, sitting their patiently he stared into the distance with pure evil in his eyes. I had pure hatred in my eyes as I stared at him. I then looked away hearing the crowd cheer as King Aven stood up, the guards had walked the man, hands tied behind his back. Father whispered in my ear "It's now or never". I took a deep breath "Yes, Father".
Father stood up as I swapped my heels for shoes. We then put our bandanas around our noses as we all stood up. "We find this man guilty of------
Father threw a smoke bomb onto the ground as the crowd gasped. I ran as fast as I could grab my gun from under my dress. I shot the guards in my way, suddenly I heard gunshots everywhere. But I kept running. As I finished, I headed up to Prince Aven was but the closer I got the more gunshots I heard. As I got closer I saw a man on the floor, that man was no other than my father. I gasped and ran towards his body, I held his body in my shaking arms "No", I screamed. "No, no, no".
I closed my eyes, sobbing. Until a man had lifted my chin up
That man was no other than Price Aven. He grabbed me away from my father's body and put a gun to my head. Showing my face to all the rebels causing them to surrender. The remaining guards brought them on their knees next to the man being executed below. "An execution of rebels will now take place". I sobbed louder when I saw a gun put next to Jessi's head. I turned around facing the king and dropped to my knees "I offer myself to you, my lord, in exchange for these lives, please take me". He looked at me and pushed me aside into the arms of a guard. He raised his arm signaling the guards to take them to prison. Along with myself. I was escorted to a prison cell where I sat there waiting for Prince Aven to release me into the palace but as I heard footsteps getting closer I stood up. "Letra". A man with an unfamiliar voice had called my mother's name.
A man stared at me with wonder in his eyes that man was no other than King Nero. He unlocked the prison cell and ran up to me, he stood in front of me as I had a blank stare on my face. He grabbed my face, turning it side to side as if he were looking for something. "Tell me, are you the one responsible for this massacre?" I grabbed his hands, pulling them off my face. “Yes”, I answered. “You rebels sicken me”, he gave me a repulsed look. “You sicken me as well, oh almighty King Nero”. I bowed with disrespect. “You seem to be nothing like your mother, I’ve wasted my time here.” He turned his back to me”What did you do to her??” “Your mother? That’s a story
Letharia’s POV _____________ I took a deep breath, and Aven was nowhere in the room to be found. I looked in between my legs to see if he had left anything. I passed out after he gave me that syringe. He didn’t do anything to me, but why? After he was so eager to do so, he left me naked in his bed. I stood up and grabbed one of Aven’s shirts. I wouldn't say I liked his smell and the scent he left on his shirts of rich cologne. I wore one of his shorts. I opened his room door to see a flurry of servants going left and right along with guards outside the doors of the nobles, including Aven’s door. The guard bowed to me as he spotted me. “Hello my lady I am sir Galloway I must escort you to your stylist before your RMC council meeting.” I noticed all the stairways and long hallways and pictures of the kings along the palace walls. I was quite the entire ti
Save my son! Why are you all just standing there!", Queen Eliza screamed frantically as I held a sharp blade to her son's neck.Nero crossed his arms, and the guards were mortified that a mere woman could do such a thing. The council members were still, and Aven chuckled."Wow darling, how impressive. But darling, listen. If I die, they die, your brother dies, your father dies, and the list goes on & on.""Screw you". I spoke."Well, what are you waiting for.... ", his voice was calmthen he screamed, "Do it"!The sword was shaking in my hands, and my head started to hurt. My vision becoming blurry. I zoned out hearing voices until Aven grabbed the sword from my hand and pushed me onto the ground. He threw the sword across the room and pinned me down with his body weight.I squirmed trying to set myself free. He starred at me with such anger in his eyes, the room silent. Aven started to entangle his fingers in mine slowly, then in one fast motion"Crack".
"Th-That was my mistake-", Aven pulled away from me. Aven stared at me with blank eyes, I closed my eyes in fear he might hit me but instead I felt a tugging sensation on my lip. My head tilted slightly, by impulse I had kissed Aven back. I then felt his touch disappear, I opened my eyes to see Aven staring at me with his hands in his pockets "I will ask my Father to cancel the execution at once, do not leave this room". I sat there in shock, free from handcuffs, one kiss may earn me my freedom back, what could my whole body do? I somehow wondered if I may have accidentally put him in a trance, what if this was one of the powerful magicks my mother had possessed. I sat there looking around his room from my spot in the corner next to Aven's bed. I noticed how he had no photos of his Mother and Father, his room looked quite plain even I would decorate with newspaper scraps and collages. Aven only had one photo of a cat sitting on a woman's lap, I couldn't tell if it was his mo
As the execution was over Nero sent Jessi over to him in handcuffs, he walked past us but proceeded to give Aven a side glare.Aven looked at me “This is the last time I let you get what you want- “Aven-“
“Shouldn’t we do this on our honeymoon?”, I asked taking off my dress. Aven scoffed, giving me a smirk, “Press your stomach against the bed, and I’ll do all the work.” I sat on his bed facing him. “What am I to you? A pretty trophy or a convenient sex toy”. Aven looked at me. “I have plenty of toys that I play with, but I want you right now.” “Why?” I raised a brow. He sighed. “No more questions lay on your stomach.” I took off my undergarments and showed Aven my bare breasts. “Isn’t that better than laying on my stomach?” “Much better,” he approached m
Jessi's POV"That was a disaster," I spoke.I walked slightly behind Nero as he glanced at me. "Send a new messenger to order Letharia mandatory psychology testing."Nero had completely ignored every damn thing I've said. "Understood; where are we heading to?""Council Member Velis's chambers," he answered. We had both suddenly become quiet, moments had passed by, and I finally decided to ask him "Nero."King Nero stopped in his tracks to look into my eyes. "You have my full attention." I cleared my throat "Illy, the woman who saved me from prison, I want her back." Nero scoffed, "Evander, never have I thought you wanted love instead of power."
To Say This Palace Was luxurious would be an understatement. It's as if the gods themselves built these walls, Walls higher than even the tallest of towers; you would think they were building a new tower of babel. As you go deeper inside, you are greeted with a beautiful red carpet and portraits of kings past those of lower birth who wouldn't even dream of passing through those giant doors entering the palace. The screams could be heard throughout the place, as the screams came from no one other than prince Aven.Nero held a whip sharper than the blade of a knife. The crack of the whip was louder than the screams of his mother. “You brought this upon your son, Nessa,” Nero yelled.Jessi stood in the corner of the thrones scribing with a blank expression on his face, while Letharia is handcuffed to a guard forced to watch as a warning when she couldn't look at him as she did not want to form sympathy.Aven bit his lip as he foug
Glancing at Aven, she sighed and leaned back against the bed's headrest. "I'm awake."Aven's lips found her forehead, a tender gesture that conveyed both understanding and affection. "I know. I've been finding sleep elusive as well. Ezekiel, on the other hand, is peacefully asleep."Letharia managed a light chuckle amidst her apprehension.Aven's smile was inviting. "Let's practice our dance. It might tire us out enough to find some rest. Plus, rehearsing our roles might help ease our minds."Letharia's kiss on his cheek was a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "I'd love that. I'm just so afraid I'll mess up."As the moonlight filtered through the windows, Aven and Letharia stepped into the grand ballroom. Its opulent walls seemed to hold the weight of centuries of celebrations, now standing as silent witnesses to the forthcoming event. The room felt both intimate and imposing, a space where their dance would unfold under the watchful eyes of history.With each step, the tension
In the dimly lit bathroom, Aven's haunted gaze stared at his trembling hands. His nightmare had yanked him back into the past, to the vivid memory of his mother's execution. The anguish was a blade through his heart, a pain he could never truly escape. He missed her with an intensity that weighed heavily on his soul regret gnawing at him like a relentless predator. He wished he could have done more to save her, to shield her from the cruel fate his father had orchestrated.The room seemed to close in around him, memories of his mother's laughter, her comforting touch, and the warmth of her embrace flooding his mind. The weight of his responsibilities and the gravity of his actions pressed upon him. He had grown so much since then, but the scars ran deep.As the minutes ticked by, the silence was shattered by a soft creak from the door. Ezekiel, perceptive as ever, had awoken to his turmoil. The young boy shuffled into the room, his eyes wide with concern. “Aven?” he whispered tentativ
Aven's voice carried a hint of trepidation as he spoke, "I can't help but dread tomorrow."Letharia, engrossed in brushing her hair, glanced at Aven's reflection in the mirror, "Why's that?"A sigh escaped Aven, "We'll be meeting other royals from different countries. And after the ball, Claytis and I are scheduled to talk."Pausing briefly, Aven continued, "Besides, there's the matter of our ballroom dance practice. Tradition dictates I dance with Valerine, and then it's our turn. We'll go over the schedule soon."Letharia's own sigh expressed weariness, "All this for tradition and preventing wars, it's rather dreadful."A soft chuckle escaped Aven, "I find enjoyment in it. And I have a feeling you might too."Letharia's gaze held awe, "You chuckled!"Aven's chuckle evolved into a laugh, "Is that so surprising?"Letharia's smile faded slightly, "I thought the curse was broken."Aven's smile dimmed, "Oh, my love. The curse allows me to experience joy, even laughter, but it still shiel
Valerine sat at the table, her mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. Aven, ever patient, sat by her side, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of her thoughts. After a prolonged silence, she glanced at Aven with a hint of concern in her eyes."I smell a curse, Aven," Valerine said, her voice tinged with unease.Aven chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Perhaps, I thought--""You thought only Zane and Arlin could smell curses, huh?" Valerine interrupted, her tone slightly teasing.She continued, her frustration evident. "I am furious at your father for thinking he can leave me here all night. Lucky you. Get him back here right now, and I won't say a word. You have my promise."Aven shook his head, acknowledging her anger, but he held a hint of defiance in his gaze. Before he left, he glanced back at her, his expression serious yet resolute. "I truly don't care if he finds out or not. An angry father is better than an
Nero hurried through the palace corridors, his mind filled with worry and curiosity. The mention of a woman claiming to be related to Letra from the Valley of the Fools stirred something within him. The Valley was known for its enigmatic residents, renowned for their mystical abilities and peculiar way of life.As he reached the palace’s grand entrance, Nero spotted his trusted advisor, Lucius, waiting by the gates. Lucius, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a sharp intellect, greeted Nero with a respectful bow.“My Lord, I received word of the woman claiming to be from the Valley of the Fools,” Lucius began. “Shall I arrange for her to be brought before you?”Nero nodded, his expression serious. “Yes, Lucius. Bring her to my study immediately. I want to learn more about her and her connection to Letra.”Lucius departed swiftly to fulfill his orders, leaving Nero to ponder the implications of this unexpected visitor. Letra, his late wife and
Nero had stared at Valerine as she had come back from New Germany. Nero hadn't dare left his throne to greet her. Valerine had bowed after the gates had opened. “Take off your hood”, Nero demanded. Valerie gave Nero a look of confusion “Absolutely Not my lord.”Council Member Arlin’s booming voice echoed “Valerie Previs as of now we have come to the decision that you are no longer a member of the RMC.”A look of shock had completely taken over her face.“You deserve a promotion, Valerine, spending your life on the council isn't fit for a Queen”, Nero spoke as he stood up off his throne. Nero approached Valerine and kneeled as he pulled something out of his back pocket, a beautiful golden sapphire ring “Valerine Diane Previs...She took off her hood and gasped with her hand over her mouth.“But my lord...”, she spoke“Will you marry me?”, Nero asked.Valerine hesitates to look at Council Member Alin for answers “The Gods for once in a lifeti
Aven woke up with Ezekiel by his side as he was too scared to sleep alone but didn’t show it. He had gripped on to Letharia’s nightdress as if he were having a nightmare. Aven patted Ezekiel on the back to wake him up gently “Ezekiel”, Aven whispered.Ezekiel had finally looked up at Aven “Come with me”, Aven spoke.Ezekiel gently scooted towards Aven’s side of the bed. He sat on the edge of the bed, lifting his arms up. Aven kneeled on one knee waiting for Ezekiel to get on his back. Ezekiel climbed on his back. Aven walked quietly around his room, he headed towards huge windows towards the back of his room. He gently went under a curtain and opened four latched on the windows that made the windows look like a set of doors. He pushed the windows open and walked onto a hidden balcony.He gently closed the windows behind him making sure not to wake Letharia.“Have you eaten well?”, Aven asked.“Yeah”, Ezekiel rubbed his eyes as he stared at the sunrise.“I’ve never seen a sunrise like
“Lying there won’t help, Aven”, Zane lay against the cell walls.“What else can I do, huh?!”, Aven yelled, kicking the bars on the prison door.Zane scoffed “I’m guessing you aren’t paralyzed anymore.”Aven started to cry out of frustration “Fuck… Fuck man.”Zane sighed “Listen to me, whatever Nero says, don’t comply even if it costs me my life.”Aven pushed himself on the cold concrete as both hands were tied behind his back. Aven attempted to calm himself down “He’s raping my wife and all I can do is rot in a prison cell.”Zane tilted his head downwards “Letra’s daughter, she’s a good woman. She is strong, but in her current mental state… it is unpredictable to know how she’ll act afterwards.”“It’s my fault, Zane, and I intend to pay the consequences, but not with your life. Letharia was willing to die to tend to your wounds. I won’t let you wither away so easily… let me do one good thing before I sell my soul to Hades”, Aven sighed.“Aven, I have no one to live for. The only woman
“You came to see me," Letharia spoke unemotional.“I have”, King Nero spoke.“I have a child to take care of, make it quick”, she spoke in a somber tone as if she had given up on life.“He offered you to me, only for tonight”, Nero took off his shirt cuffs. Letharia finally laid eyes upon him. Nero kept the rest of his clothes on. Letharia smiled “I don’t buy it.”Nero had unclipped his satin cape. Under it, he had worn a white button up shirt and black dress pants.“I want you to listen to me”, he kneeled at her bedside.She looked at him drained, with dark bangs underneath her eyes “Yes, Nero.”“I swear on my honor… the little honor you think I have left, I won’t harm your adopted son.”“Were you going to? , Letharia asked.Nero touched his stubble as if he were stroking a beard “Yes. You wouldn’t understand the rage I felt when I saw that notarized document. As leading monarch, I will get in trouble with the council for this. I was going to kill that child in the throne room, but