Star-Crossed Paths

Chapter Two: Execution of the Maiden

It was two years ago when Constantine promised he would help his father with his mother. He only thought of one way to get rid of her. Execution. But executing the maiden of his father is a difficult and tyrannical act isn't it? It was tedious as well, she is capable of carrying abilities that Constantine may not be able to withstand. Constantine would take the risk though, correct? Indeed he will, as much as he doesn't want to. He would have to for his father and the sake of his kingdom. Clarisia only wants bloodshed and war. Using Constantine would be one way to get her way through things Manipulating Constantine into following her orders is her main goal.
The palace looked much different with his father not around anymore monitoring the maids and guards doing their jobs. Constantine was much different from his father, and they had to adjust to that. He'd spend most of his time in his office filling out the paperwork that just kept stacking over and over on his desk. His mother was still around and Constantine would still shake in fear when she does go around his office or near him. This brought him doubt that he would even be able to pull this plan of arresting his mother.
Quickly scribbling down the notes of how to arrest his mother and secretly hiding them under the stacks of the other paperwork to cover up his plans from his mother. He knows his mother may always be a step ahead of him, but it doesn't matter now. This plan has been well thought through for the past two years. Without a doubt, it will work, but there is always a chance it will fail. "Constantine, you've been cooped up in your office for hours. You should get some fresh air or it wouldn't be too good to have you sick," Clarisia eyed him while saying those words to Constantine.
"Since when have you cared about my health, mother?"
"Since you've been crowned prince. My plans all lie within you, I can't afford having you sick."
"Is that really all you ask from me? Following your orders so you can achieve what you want?"
"Yes and so what? I brought you to this in the first place. I only asked you follow my orders."
"I think you've forgotten I'm old enough to make my own decisions as well."
Clarisia stopped and her gaze seeped into Constantine. She slammed the door shut and walked towards Constantine who backed up quickly away from her. "Constantine, I think you've forgotten who is your mother here. What happened to you? You used to be so easy to manipulate back in those days."
"Well those days are over isn't it? I've changed so should you mother."
"Change?" She laughed. "Really Constantine? You must be a fool. I'm Clarisia of Vladenstone. The maiden of your father. Former King Galavin. I have power here as well and I can't forget that. Why would I need to change?"
"Before you get yourself killed, perhaps?"
"Oh, Constantine. My heart builds pity of how utterly foolish you can be. Nobody can kill me. I am unstoppable and with you, my power extends everywhere. Oh but it's so unfortunate you inherited none of mine or your father's personality. My dreams would be crushed if you acted exactly like him. It was also crushed either way, when you acted nothing like me as well," She looked at Constantine pitifully. "Don't you feel one slightest bit of pity towards your mother, who can gain nothing because she only married into the family. Oh and how so unfortunate your cousins died to suicide."
"Get out, mother," His voice filled with anger and guilt. "Get out before you regret going in."
"How you scare me," She replied sarcastically before opening the door. Slowly taking a step out. "Send them my regards when you're dead."
Constantine kept silent as he waited for his mother to walk out the door. Letting out a sigh of relief he fell to his chair again. Closing his eyes a bit to erase the memory of Clarisia from his head. Wishing it was easy to do so he must have been wrong. Opening his eyes once again he pulled out the scribbled plans and was deciding when to do these plans. Hopefully he would be able to put the plan into play tomorrow. Looking at the clock for the time, he was shocked to see that barely any time went by. How unfortunate. He had so much work to get done before dinner doesn't he? Looking through his banquet invites and treaties. He read through each and every one of them carefully. "Remember to declare war on the Villetia Empire, Constantine." Clarisia's voice boomed in his head. No, he wasn't going to do so. He knew what his mother wanted to do, betray the friendship she has with the empire. In order to knock their economics into pieces and gain more to it. It was quite wise of her to do so. Though Constantine knew if he executed his mother, it would already cause war with them. Meaning his mother would get what she desired, and he would get done the promise he wants to fulfill.
Struggling to stay awake, he took a sip from his teacup. It was cold since he has had it made awhile ago. It was better than nothing. Clearing his throat he signed one last thing before setting down the feather and ink. Hearing a knock on the door, he looked up taking off his glasses. "Yes?," he called out.
"Ah your highness, it's time for dinner! Your parents are waiting for you in the dining room so please hurry."
"I must have forgotten the time," He muttered to himself. "Alright I'll be out soon. Thank you."
Getting up, he walked towards the entrance of his office. Seeing his mother down the halls, he's figured he would leave to the dining rook first so he wouldn't be scolded by her. Quickly walking to the dining room and opening the door. He saw his father was waiting there smiling at him. "Ah my son!"
"Father, it's good that you're well."
"Of course if my son is well!"
"You're always so caring towards me."
"Cheer up Constantine! I wouldn't be a father if I didn't care for you."
"I guess you are right."
"Now let's sit down and wait for your mother? How about a small chat?"
"What's there to chat about?" He asked while pulling the chair out for his father.
"That promise you made to me."
"Right, well.."
A voice interrupted their conversation. "Save it, Constantine. I think we all know the promise you have made to your father."
Constantine tensed up and looked over to where the voice came from. Not to his surprise, it was Clarisia. Her eyes glowed in anger and betrayal. "You want to get rid of me, huh? I hate to say I am surprised."
"You should have expected it. Don't you understand how much damage you've done in this family already? I had to put a stop to it, mother! I can't keep letting you kill countless people for no reason!"
"Don't raise your voice towards me, Constantine! I raised you, I'm your mother! Remember that."
"I already know you were my mother when you started manipulating me. You even poisoned father for your sake! Even killing me? What else do you need?"
"Everything, Constantine. And if you won't do it, I'll do it myself," Clarisia looked at him coldly before turning towards the door. "You won't be executing me, Constantine. I was always one step ahead of you."
"You may have forgotten, I'm your son. Mother and son always think alike. You may be right of finding out my plans, but are you able to escape them?"
"What do you mean?" Clarisia looked back as the door bursted open. Guards rushed in and grabbed her on both arms. "Let me go! What are you doing?!"
"You are arrested under the orders of His Highness. Speaking will only bring you further down."
"You can't do this to me! Constantine! I am your mother! You have to obey me! I will direct you to victory."
"Victory that I can lead myself to. Vladenstone won't fall. You shouldn't worry. All the lives you've taken away can rest at peace now. As you are being executed the day after tomorrow."
"Constantine! You filthy bastard!"
"Say no more," He nodded to the guards and ordered. "Take her away."
This marked the end of Clarisia for tonight. His father looked at him in shock. "You really did do what you promised Constantine. I'm proud of you, but I don't think that will be the end of your mother."
"I know that, she could plan so many things in just a day of being down there. I know what I did father, but I can't help but feel guilty about it. How can one's mother die by their own hands? By their own orders?"
"Some things are too difficult to understand, son."
"Truly are. I think I've lost my appetite after this event," Constantine told his father and nodded his head before exiting the room. All he could think of tonight was his mother being down in the dungeon. Locked in chains and betrayed by her son. But Constantine had no choice, it was either his mother's life or many other lives put to danger. Perhaps those who have fallen in her hands can't rest in piece without knowing she will be soon joining them. Quickly walking past the hallways and avoiding looking at the portraits of his mother. He ran upstairs to his room and locked the door. Falling into his bed, he looked up at the ceiling. Pondering over and over. Did he make the right choice? Who would know if he didn't. Struggling to stay awake, he surrendered to the darkness that overcame him. Into a deep sleep that would lead him to a haunting tomorrow.
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Birds chirped as the sun rose to a beginning of a new day. Constantine woke up to the birds chirping outside his palace window. Confused in why no one has came in to wake him up he got off his bed and looked out at the window. It was bright for it to be dawn. He must have overslept hasn't he? Well that's a first. He thought to himself amusingly. Then remembering what happened last night, his amused face seeped into a frown. Guilty. That's all he thought of himself. He certainly can't picture himself as a perfect prince they had all expected him to be. Especially after this conflict, he doesn't think he can make it up.
After observing outside from his window for a bit, he went to his closet and picked out a set of clothes for today. A maroon-colored outfit decorated with gold patterns on his shoulder. He opened the door after he got dressed quickly and tidied up his hair. It was a mess; he was a mess as well no doubt. "Ah your highness! I was just looking for you! The court trial will be held soon and breakfast is ready!"
"Thank you, Lucandia. I'll be down momentarily," replying to Lucandia politely. Lucandia nodded and smiled at Constantine before rushing downstairs to help carry vases and flowers up. Constantine's small smile soon faded into a frown again as he slipped past the maids going upstairs. He ran downstairs to the dining room once again. His father wasn't in the room this time. It was just Constantine alone that was eating in the large dining room. The dining room was large and fancy. It looked too majestic for people to even consider eating in here. Yet it has been the room that Constantine sat in for years since he moved into this palace. Seating himself on the large chair at the end of the table, he picked up the fork. As he picked it up, thoughts after thoughts flashed through him. He knows that today was the trial for his mother's execution. He would be the judge. His main goal is to not be manipulated by his mother and have her win the trial against him.
He was always told to eat before a big event. Otherwise, he wouldn't have enough energy to last all the way until the end of the event. Trying his best to eat, he couldn't bring himself to have at least five mouthfuls before his stomach churned nervously. He was always anxious when it came to these things. Constantine never seemed to be relaxed ever in the last two years ago. It was quite normal for Constantine though. Nothing was new about him being anxious constantly. Sitting there silently hoping no one comes in as he was contemplating his decisions as the prince so far. He really didn't like to interact with anyone and preferred to be alone. That was the way he planned for him to live his life after he dealt with his mother. Tapping his foot constantly on the ground barely making a noise on the marble floor. He got up after a couple moments go by. Looking around and tilting his head. Was there a clock anywhere? Doesn't seem to be one in this dining room. Sighing, and deciding he would rather wait and be called to the trial instead of being there early himself.
Moments go by as Constantine fiddled with a marble in his hand. A marble so delicate it could shatter into pieces with just a drop on the floor. The door creaked open, and it was Lucandia again. Constantine looked up from the creak of the door. Noticing Lucandia was the one that opened it, he assumed it was because the trial was about to begin. Placing the marble into his pocket, he stood up from his seat and walked over to the door entrance. "Good luck, Your Highness," Lucandia whispered to him. "Bring the kingdom to peace."
"I'll try my best," He replied quietly. Constantine doubted his own abilities in putting an end to his mother's reign. But he would do whatever he can do make sure it does come to an end. The sooner the better.
When he arrived towards the court room. He hesitated to open the door. This was it. This trial would determine his mother's fate and his. Whether his mother would be executed or not. This is the change Constantine would be willing to make. No matter what the cost is. To put the kingdom at peace, he would do what it is right and just. He had promised that during his oath. Pulling the door open, he saw that there was an open seat above everyone else. Assuming that he would take his seat there, he walked in. As he walked in, everyone bowed their heads to him except his mother. The only thing he saw from her eyes was hatred. It was true, she hated him for the betrayal that he committed to her. Nodding his head signaling them to raise their heads. He took a seat right where he was supposed to sit. Where he could see everyone, and everyone could see him. "We may begin under your command, Your Highness," A man said from below. It was a council member of the kingdom.
"I think we all know why we gathered today in this court trial. It is quite odd and disappointing that I have to hold a court trial against my own mother," Constantine began looking at Clarisia. "You may start first. Defend yourself as well as you can. Remember anything you say can be used against you. So pick your words carefully."
"Like I'd care."
"Do you plead guilty or not guilty?"
"I plead not guilty."
"Even when there is clear proof of you committing crimes?"
"Proof means nothing here, Constantine."
"It is Your Highness to you, Clarisia. You are no longer my mother."
"Fine, Your Highness."
"Now if you plead not guilty, who was responsible for the disappearance of specifically the ones who were in line for the throne before me?"
"I told you. They died from suicide."
"Suicide yet the weapons that were used to kill them carried your fingerprint and gift scent."
"Are you doubting my honesty?"
"You tend to lie a lot, Clarisia."
"I do?"
"Yes, you do realize that lying during court can also lead to worser punishments?"
"I'm aware, but you can't tell if I'm lying or not."
"It was quite clear you've admitted to me multiple times, you did all of it for me. There's clear proof you did it yourself. I don't think you should push yourself further in lying."
"And so what if I did it all for you? At least I cared, right?"
"That doesn't show that you care for me. That only shows how greedy you are for power."
"Come on, don't you think you weren't greedy for the throne?"
"No I wasn't. Backtracking, if you are pleading not guilty, you are admitting yourself into being guilty."
"Wh-what?"
"Be careful with your words, Clarisia. You admitted you did it for my gain. You admitted you killed all of those who were in line to make me closer to the throne."
"No I didn't-"
"Don't push yourself further," Constantine interrupted her. Looking straight into her eyes as it changes into guilt and panic. "You lost, Clarisia."
"No wait!-"
"This rules in favor of His Highness," The councilor announced.
Clarisia banged her fist on the table. Fuming she got up from the seat and waited for the guards to take her back to the dungeons. "Don't you want to hear your punishment, Clarisia?" Constantine asked her quietly.
"What more do I need to know? I'm dead by dawn tomorrow anyways, am I?"
Constantine hesitated before looking up at Clarisia again. "Yes. Yes, you are."
"And you don't feel guilty?! You're executing your mother, Constantine! I'm still a human too!"
"You certainly didn't sound like one when we were talking about your personal gains during the trial weren't you?"
"Please! I only did it for you! Don't take me out of this world! I still have much more to do-!" Clarisia's voice was cut off as the door shut and she was taken away again. Downstairs to the dusty and dirty dungeons.
Constantine exhaled and leaned back on his chair. "Do you need a break. Your Highness?"
"No, I'll be leaving soon. Tell my father what happened. I'll be in the office."
"Of course, Your Highness."
Constantine nodded and got off the seat. His hand shook a bit from the trial. His mother still inputted fear into him. On the bright side, he didn't get manipulated by Clarisia anymore. He broke her barrier of being the cruel woman she is. Constantine is one step closer to achieving what he needs to achieve of course.
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It was close to midnight, as Constantine finished up the last bit of the fruits he was given by the maids. Constantine pondered and debated if he should pay Clarisia one last visit and have one last final conversation with Clarisia. He decided he would do so. Picking up his sword that was leaning on the shelf and attaching it to his belt. He headed downstairs pulling out the keys. Opening the door that he was sure, was hers. His mother was looking outside of the dark skies, her hands were chained together. Her white hair flowed as the little breeze from the open window came in. Her red eyes glowed as she looked deeply outside. "Constantine, is that you?" She asked softly.
"Surprise."
"What are you doing down here? It's dirty for a prince like you to be hanging around."
"I can't help but think about how this would be your last night here."
"It was your fault, isn't it? You ordered the execution."
"I didn't have a choice; you weren't going to stop. And if I didn't order it, you wouldn't come to realize your mistakes. It was like you weren't even a human anymore!"
"You were right though...I don't think I was even a human when I acted like that. Plus I wouldn't have realized what I've done until I sit here on my last hours," she said turning to Constantine, tears formed in her eyes. "I mean if you think about it, I poisoned your father and I almost killed you. I let my greed take control of me."
"At least you realize it now, right?"
"When my life is about to end, yes I realized it," Her voice shook and cracked. "And to realize this is my final proper conversation with you. Don't set me free, Constantine. If you love me as your mother, don't set me free from execution. Only set me free from life. I can atone for what I've done, right?"
"Of course, you can mother..."
"I'm sorry, Constantine. I've been a horrible mother since beginning to end. The least I can give to you is a dot of my remaining love for this world," Clarisia holding her eye contact with Constantine as a teardrop fell from her cheek. It was the first time Clarisia had felt true emotions besides greed and hatred towards everyone. "I really do mean it. Perhaps fate will always go in your favor Constantine."
"I do hope the afterlife treats you well in the end."
"If it doesn't, I believe I deserved it."
"I would say I agree, but you really were raised wrong, Clarisia."
"I know I was, I panicked during the trial. I guess it hit me that I shouldn't have done it all in the first place thinking I would get away with it."
"A lesson to carry on in the second phase. Enjoy the view and breeze, Clarisia. Let's bid farewell tomorrow."
"Of course...son," She said to Constantine. With a small smile as tears fell down. "Let's bid a proper farewell tomorrow."
Watching Constantine shut the door and leave. She looked outside and let out a sob. I really failed my own son. Am I even a human anymore? No, I wasn't human anymore. Even my son doubted that. She thought bitterly to herself. Tears flowed and fell down her face. As she went over to the hard bed and fell onto it. Realizing every single mistake she did. The tears kept flowing out. Who was she even anymore? She doesn't have to worry about that anymore. Because in a couple of hours she would be gone.
Constantine returning to his bedroom, he collapsed onto the bed. Holding back tears as his hands shook. Did his mother really mean all those words? Or were those another one of her trick. Constantine couldn't think straight about it anymore, his heart ached as tears also fell from his face. Guilt churned his stomach and tied it into a knot. This was his fault, he ordered the execution. There is no turning back on the plan now. All he can do now, is wait as the time for the execution comes.
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Dawn had awoken them all. Today would be a dark day in the entire kingdom's history. It was no surprise anymore. It is too late to turn back. Constantine was already ready since the run risen. Clarisia would soon be called up to the execution court. The execution court outside was barely used since rarely anyone was executed by the order of the royals belonging to Vladenstone.
Constantine already walking towards the garden door was called back by his father. Turning around, he faced his father. Nodding to his father in greetings. "Constantine, are you sure you want to do this? There is no turning back if we do this."
"As much as I will hold guilt and regret after. I think it will be better if she is gone."
"Alright then, I can't interfere your decisions."
Outside towards the execution court, Clarisia was already standing there. Awaiting for Constantine to arrive. As she saw Constantine walking towards his position, she signals Constantine to go over. Hesitating before going over to her. He looked at her crimson red eyes. "Clarisia?"
"Constantine, this is where we bid our farewell. I know you won't be able to bear me being executed. Therefore I wanted to bid my farewell earlier. Lead this kingdom with honor and responsibility, alright?"
"Of course, Clarisia. I won't do it in your honor, but I do hope you realize your mistakes in the second phase of this life."
"No need. I'm already thinking of it."
"Good," Constantine finished and looked at the guards. "I'm assuming it's time?"
They nodded and handed him the paper for him to read off of. Clearing his throat, he put on his glasses and looked at the crowd. "I would hate to be the one to announce this, but unfortunately it is time that our execution shall begin. As you see, this is the Maiden of Vladenstone. The Maiden that married into this family. Clarisia Van Gretalia Vladenstone has committed crimes worth more than spending time in the dungeon. But receiving death as her penalty. Cold-bloodily murdered all of those in line before me and lying saying it was suicide," Constantine paused a bit as the crowd whispered. "Having using her own son as a way to gain power and letting her greed take the best of her. She is here now, on the death court. The execution may begin after I leave."
Constantine had specially requested he'd leave the execution after his announcement since he couldn't bear to see his own mother executed. Quickly running down the stage of this court, he went behind the tall bushes that covered his figure away from the crowd. As the crowd quieted down.
Clarisia looked up at the beautiful sky. Barely any clouds and the sun shining down upon her. As if it was ready to take her to the second life. The crowd was in shock that she was being executed. It was no surprise. "Thank you for granting me a life here anyways," She whispered.
The guard picked up the blade and placed it on her throat. It dug deeper into her skin as she closed her eyes facing the sun. "Remember me in the future."
Those were Clarisia's last words that she uttered before the blade cut her throat and she fell. Her eyes opened a bit as she saw a hand reached out to her. Grabbing it she was guided up the stairs as she felt herself losing herself. Clarisia has fallen and fate has collected her back.
Constantine shook his head in disbelief of what he has done. It was done. He was free from his mother. His mother would no longer haunt him anymore. Nor would he have to live in fear in the castle. Yet a feeling of guilt always lied in him. No matter what he did. He couldn't seem to get rid of it. Clarisia has fallen. Constantine was about to rise.