The Seventh Crow

Part 32

We find ourselves in a strange room. Nina and Zoya speak a different language. They were discussing Matthias and I. I knew just from the way Zoya would give us a side eye from time to time.

"Enough," Nina says, "we speak in a language we all can understand."

They talk amongst themselves. Should I be listening? Yes, but they are just repeating what I already know.

I watch them all discuss between themselves. My eyes fell closed before I could stop.

I'm back in Fjerda. Shackles around my wrists being pulled towards the execution line. Today was the day. Finally going to be shot and put to rest. I just hope Alev made it to Ravka with the group of Grisha.

The guns go off. The bullets landing in their target. Ten bodies falling to the ground dead. Ten Fjerdan soldiers walk up to the bodies, stabbing them in the heads. A "safety" measure to make sure they truly murdered them.

My group gets pushed forward. They line us up in a perfect line. The ten bodies are still laying on the ground next to us.

The King walks in, looking towards the group ready to be executed. I stared at him, locking eyes with Fjerdan King.

Looking in the eyes of the King without proper introduction was a crime. I'm already committing treason, what's one more broken law?

"Desjenet!" the King calls out. The soldiers lower their weapons.

The King walks over to the prisoners. I lower my head as he stops in front of me.

Shouldn't have tempted him, my thoughts say. 

The King slips a finger under my chin, forcing my gaze to his. He looks over my face. Tilting my head in every direction to get a better look.

"What's your name?" he asks. I don't say anything. "Don't make me ask again."

I still don't say anything. What are they going to do? Execute me? They're already planning too.

"Her name is Nox, Your Highness," a random soldier spoke.

"Last name to your name?" he asks, his eyes glued to me.

"She wouldn't say," the same voice spoke.

I won't let Matthias be punished for my actions.

"What is your last name?" he commands, inching closer.

When I don't answer him, a sharp pain erupts at the back of my head. A soldier hit me with the bunt of his gun.

"What is your last name?" the King asks once again.

"Fitz," I lied.

"Hmm, not the name I was thinking of."

What does he mean by that? Does he know who I am? Does he know who Matthias is? Maybe it was a good thing that I lied about my last name. Who knows what he is planning if he knows my true last name.

"Lock her away," the King says. "She won't be executed today."

"Wait," I tried to say, but soldiers already pulled me out of the line of fire.

Pulling against them, their grasp only tightens. They are listening to the orders of their King. Doesn't matter how much I fight. They will win.

The King's gaze doesn't leave me. A glimmer of pride sparks. He seemed to be enjoying my struggles. My confusion makes him smile, a large sinister smile.

What just happened?