Carolina Crowháwk - A Story of the Norwegian Queen

Chapter II - The Scaffold

November 22, 1804
The rope tightened around Carolina's hands as she walked further down the dark, narrow hallway towards the hatch — Carolina would be getting the scaffold today, her fears have officially come to reality. Indeed, Carolina didn't deserve the punishment she was going to receive, but the knights and revolutionaries believed she had. Luckily for her, she had finished her long and detailed letter to her loved ones; they should be receiving it soon. The letter had Carolina expressing her subtle ways and her regrets over time.

While walking, two knights were carrying sharp swords behind Carolina, so if she were to try to flee, they'd stab her right in the heart — she had also been wearing a blindfold so, if she tried to abscond, it would be difficult for her to see.

"We've arrived," a guard spoke to Carolina, making her fear of what would happen to her. Carolina had once heard about Anne Boleyn's, a former queen of England, tremendous death — she died due to the scaffold in 1536, and now, Carolina would be receiving the same death.

Upon arriving at the scaffold, she had heard chattering from, presumably, citizens of the French kingdom. This had made Carolina more frightened since she had never met any of the French citizens other than when some had taken her.

"Today, we're gathered here for the execution of Carolina Crowháwk, the former queen of Norway," the executioner began. "She had assisted the French monarchy when all we're told specifically not to.. any last words, Mrs. Carolina?"

"Pardon me, please.." Carolina paused. "My arduous journey will end today in a gory manner, but I won't die knowing I didn't help anyone — I'll die knowing I've tended to a country, children, family, and monarchy.. and most of all will never hold any grudge towards you citizens who beheaded me."

The executioner instantly drew out his sword after Carolina finished her sentence. Many people in the audience shielded their eyes from the horror that was about to unfold.

Upon the sword being drawn out, Carolina knelt down to avoid any injuries if the sword was to somehow miss her head — as much as the French despised Carolina, they wanted to end her in a manner that'll be fast, much how they beheaded Marie Antoinette and Louis-Auguste; they didn't want the blood to pour on everyone! Unfortunately, the young Princesse de Lamballe, the queens' friend, had to die slowly with a blow to the head. The French was considering the same for Carolina, but decided against it for an unknown reason.

"May the Lord commend your soul!" the executioner said before striking Carolina's head.

Or did he?

Carolina felt no pain, whatsoever — she didn't feel her body being thrown onto the hard ground due to the force of the sword. In a matter of fact, she felt nothing. Carolina was deciding rather or not to remove the blindfold; the trepidation was getting to her. What would happen if she did? Would she be looking at her helpless body lying on the ground? Or was this all a dream?

Suddenly, Carolina felt dizzy and fell to the ground. The axe did hit her, after all.