The Royals of Silvercrest

3

Queen Ida's POV:

I make my way through the halls, eyes scanning through each room as I enter. A handful of hairdos follow at my side, including my Knightsman. My heart is filled with worry but I do not allow it to show. The entire night and morning, the sole focus had been shutting down the town and castle. I had sent fleets of knights down to the town, urging people to head into their homes and not to leave as we had a worry for their safety. Dozens followed as instructed, locking themselves away but not everyone agreed to this order, revolting against those who were sent to protect them. Another fleet of knights were sent out to put down the rebellion. Those who resisted were knocked out or confined by force. Not a pretty picture but necessary.

I pass by as castle staff who had chosen to stay, nailed down boards to the windows to keep outsiders from entering. We were not foolish, these preparations were moot if they sent the dragon roaring through the town. We could fight off with our own but who knows how many of our own would be slaughtered on the journey to peace?

My heart drops as I see the door to one of my ladies's chambers was open.

Quickly, I make my way over, slipping through the doorway. I look from the window to the bed, staring from the rug to the closet to be certain it is empty.

Suddenly the door slams closed behind me.

I whip around, startled as a tall man now blocks my path.

He wears a bandana around his face, only his eyes show.

There is no emotion behind them.

Dread fills me as I realize I am alone.

"Who are you? Get out!" I snap

I reach behind me slowly, grasping at the blade I kept hidden inside my skirt.

I know I should scream but instead, I prepare myself.

To kill him.

I pull it from its sheath as the man is distracted, locking the door.

His attention is away for only a moment but it is enough for me to pull out my weapon and charge him. Putting up an arm he quickly blocks my advance, shoving me backwards, hard. In the struggle, I drop the blade, my head smacking hard against the marble floor. The man scrambles over, climbing on top of me as I punch and curse at him.

This does not phase him.

Reaching down, he pulls his own dagger from its sheath from his belt.

My eyes widen.

I open my mouth to scream for the guards but he places a hand over my mouth. My cries are muffled as he brings the blade closer to my flesh. My mind races as he places the blade right against my skin, above my racing heart.

I turn my head, staring at the grey stone walls.

In my last moments, my thoughts drift to my husband and daughter.

Will they survive this attack?

Without a word, he shoves it into my heart as I scream.