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The moment I stepped onto the first block of staircase, I knew it was the end. My whole life, I dedicated myself to the kingdom. From studying the etiquette since I am in a young age of four to commit myself to commerce and diplomacy and eventually become a refined lady worthy of a title Queen before their name.
All that work and what did it cost me?
My life.
I can hear everything. Ang aking paghinga, tunog ng kadena habang ako ay naglalakad kasama ang mga gwardya na siyang tatapos ng aking buhay, ang protesta at hiyaman ng mga taong minsan ko nang prinotektahan.
Wala akong ibang maramdaman sa mga oras na ito kung hindi takot, poot, at pagkamuhi para sa mga taong dahilan kung bakit ako narito. I counted every steps I made with rage in silence. And when I reached the spot where I will be losing my life, I glanced at the audience. Their eyes glimmered with sadness as I stood there— except for the people who made me stand here before them. Their eyes glimmered with anticipation— like a lion ready to devour their prey.
Malayo man ako, nakita ko kung paano napabuntong-hininga si Ion. I saw how the king snaked his arms onto his mistress and lighted a small peck on her temple. Larah, my lady-in-waiting, smirked at me. Kinabit niya ang kaniyang ama, ang kanang kamay ng hari at may binulong. Sabay silang nagtawanan.
“Any last words, Your Highness?” the royal guard whispered.
The guard, who I remember was called Lenon, lowered his head when he asked me. Although I am a step closer to my grave, he intended to respect me until the very end. I patted his shoulder as he raised his head. He looked stern and unexpectedly morose.
“I do have a few things to say,” I replied, and step closer to the guillotine to see the crowd who will witness my demise.
“Betrayal is all too common in the turbulent waters of politics,” I shouted that gathered the attention of everyone. “I was a fool to believe that I am wise enough to evade this trajectory of my fate, yet here I am in front of my subjects, condemned to death. I, Louisiana Travis, standing before you today not as traitor of my beloved kingdom, but as your fallen queen. I am anything but an accused victim. Whoever has orchestrated this treachery shall receive my wrath tenfold and fell to despair for the rest of their lives. Thus— Lord, hear my plea! Grant me a second life, and I vow to channel my hunger for vengeance!”
Just as I settled my head to the head bottom that fitted my slender neck exquisitely, fragments of memories and realization triggered inside me. From the moment I was crowned the Queen of Gideon, to how Ion and I’s story unfolded, and to how everything ended in tragedy. It seemed like my life appeared before my eyes.
“May God bless your soul. The execution of Western Kingdom’s Queen, Louisiana Travis!”
I have yet to live a life of my own. If I am truly granted a second life— minus the vengeance I seek— I will live a peaceful and radiant life. I will distance myself from trouble and give up politics. This time, become wary of people I surround myself with. If there is one lesson I have learned in this lifetime, it is this: it is not the enemy who betrays you, but those to whom you have devoted your life.
Just as when the blade pierced my neck— dreams and aspirations I held back was shown before me. This is when I met my impending death… or so I thought.
— s a k u r a b l u e m s _ —
BINABASA MO ANG
Second: The Queen's Lament
General Fiction"Betrayal is all too common in the turbulent waters of politics. I was a fool to believe that I am wise enough to evade this trajectory of my fate, yet here I am in front of my subjects condemned to death. I, Louisiana Travis, standing before you to...
