𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝

𝙎𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙉

The following day all the men and archbishop waited in the throne room for Colette and Hal. Loud chatter was heard amongst them, but it quickly died down when they saw Hal and Colette at the doorway, dressed in court wear.

They all turned slightly bowing their heads to the two, waiting for them to enter the room. Colette exhaled shakily as Hal stood slightly ahead of her, wanting to hold her hand but his cloak stopping him. What Hal was going to say here had been discussed for a very long time with Colette last night and so they were ready to announce it.

Hals face was stone cold "As of this day, we are at war with France" he told them.

Colette watched their reactions, their eyes widening in shock as they clearly were unprepared for the news.

"Twice I have given her the benefit of the doubt. This third affront will not be left unchecked. I should have decided this when my fiancé was nearly killed" Hal said making Colette swallow.

Hal began to walk in the room, Colette followed behind him. "And so, in order to flush these French rats from their nests, I will have it communicated to them, that we are now at war." Hal said continuing to walk until he was in front of Cambridge and lord grey. Colette looked down knowing he'd be telling them horrible news.

"My lord Grey, Cambridge" Hal said

The two bowed their heads, Cambridge looking back at Colette worriedly as he saw her slightly shaking frame, something was wrong, and he knew it.

"I would ask you two to deliver this message to France given your... familiarity with its recipient. But I believe in the morning you be otherwise engaged." Hal said.

All eyes landed on the two, waiting for the scene to unfold before them.

"Pray how, my liege?" Cambridge asked as he and Lord Grey held a face of confusion.

"Tomorrow you will have your heads cut off" Hal said.

"No" Cambridge whispered.

"I have chosen to send you as an advance party to hell for the considerable French number that will soon be needing to find space there." Hal told the two.

Hal turned to Cambridge "You were once my friend"

"I am your friend... cousin" Cambridge said

Hal said nothing as he continued to simply stare at he man in front of him with pure rage.

"Colette please, tell him! You know me well!" He said taking a step towards her.

Hal stepped in front of him quickly, not allowing him to go anywhere near her "Do not even speak of her name" Hal spat.

And with that, it was decided. Lord grey and Cambridge, Shall die.

**********************************************

The following morning was one both Hal and Colette dreaded. They sat in the courtyard, lord grey with his head leaning on wood, waiting for it to be chopped off.

Colette's breaths grew quicker and more shaky as she looked at the scene in front of her.

Hal noticed this and turned to look at her, taking her hands in his "I wish you did not have to be here, however it's rule. I advise you to look away Lottie" he whispered before turning back, but still continuing to hold her hands.

Her head went forward again looking at Cambridge who was mounthing "please" to her. She bit her lip with sadness, although he did unforgivable things, he'd always be family.

"Do not look at him" Hal said seeing his cousin try and talk to his fiancé. She nodded and before she knew it the large sword was lifted and placed against Lord Greys head, she quickly turned her face into Hal's shoulder, muffling her cries, not wanting to have to see the image, knowing it would haunt her. She did the same for Cambridge, she couldn't look.