"We welcome you into our home as an honored guest, and this is how you repay us? By destroying our priceless heirloom?" The King seethes with anger, his eyes flashing daggers as he glares at Cole.
The Queen strides forward, her eyes blazing with anger. "That rug was a gift from my beloved, deceased grandmother," she berates, her voice low and dangerous. "And now it's ruined, all because of your recklessness."
As they advance on Cole, the little girl disappears as if she were never there. Suddenly, Cole's eyes fall on a glinting object around the Queen's neck - an ornate key, with a handle that resembles the constellation she just traced on the rug with the little girl.
"I can explain!" Cole pleads, desperation lacing her words as she tries to justify her actions.
"Madeline, come hither! At once!" The Queen's regal voice echoes throughout the room, beckoning the little girl forth with an imperious command.
Emerging from the shadows, Madeline's eyes are wide and pleading, resembling a helpless puppy in need of rescue.
"You shall be punished for your part in the destruction of the rug!" The King's voice thundered; his anger palpable as he addresses Madeline.
Trembling with fear, Madeline cowers before her parents. Cole's heart throbs with blame and regret. This was all her doing, her manipulation and deceit leading to this moment of reckoning.
It dawned on her then, with a sickening realization, that she had only ever seen Madeline as a pawn in her own schemes. A means to an end, and nothing more.
Cole's voice trembles as she begs, "Please, Your Highness, do not punish Madeline. It was I who led her astray and caused her to participate in the destruction of the rug. She is innocent, and I am willing to take full responsibility for my actions and accept whatever punishment you deem fit."
Madeline shrinks behind Cole, her eyes filled with terror and shame. Cole stands tall, a protective shield between the young girl and the judgment of the King and Queen. Cole's heart aches at the thought of Madeline suffering for her mistakes.
The Queen raises an eyebrow, skeptically studying Cole. "Are you truly willing to bear the full weight of the consequences, even if it means adding Madeline's punishment to your own?"
Cole swallows hard, her eyes unwavering as she replies, "Yes, Your Highness. I will do whatever it takes to make things right and ensure that Madeline is spared from any further harm."
The King and Queen lock eyes, silently communicating their agreement.
"So it shall be," declares the queen. Her voice is firm, but there's a hint of admiration in her tone. "Your sense of accountability is praiseworthy. For that, I will let you choose your punishment."
The King steps forward, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the room. "You have three options," he says, his voice deep and foreboding. "You must pick two out of the three options. One for you, one for Madeline."
Cole's head droops with shame and guilt as she listens to the options. Madeline's small frame shakes with fear behind her.
"Option One: 10 days in jail," the King says, his voice echoing through the halls. "Option Two: 10 brutal lashes," he continues, his tone unforgiving. "Option Three: Spend an entire minute in the room with the Stinking Corpse Lily."
A flicker of joy ignites within Cole's being as she hears the King's words. However, she is careful not to show it on her face. She recalls that in this simulated reality, she cannot feel nor smell.
With a calm facade, Cole steps forward and addresses the monarchs with a tone of contrition, "Your majesties, I humbly accept my punishment. I choose option two and three, as they are the fairest consequences for my actions."
YOU ARE READING
Academy of Social & Technological Innovation
Science FictionCole Michelson had always been the one to stand out from the crowd, to think outside the box, to be the rebel who defied the norm. But never had she imagined that her this character trait could be her greatest asset. Cole finds herself on the thresh...
