8: Darken, The Fall of The Great Dragon

Chapter twenty-six: presented to the public (Alexander)

I took my place upon the Great Dragon's Throne, beside my niece, the queen of the kingdom we were in, as we anticipated the arrival of James and Alexandria. Around us were the monarchs of the other nations, arrayed below my station. below us were a couple of hundreds of people awaited her arrival.  

"It should be time," Astraea spoke softly. "I really do not want to do this, Uncle."

"I understand, but it is necessary," I said to her, standing up. The crowd below hushed. "Welcome, everyone. I wish our gathering today were under happier circumstances. We come together not for celebration, but to address the wrongdoing against our people. Yet, before we proceed, know this: I will not take her life."

the crowd broke out into angry cries to kill her, the guards had to hold some back.

I spoke loudly and clearly, channeling some of my power to amplify my voice. "Those who have come here expecting an execution may depart from this palace now," I declared. A hush fell over the crowd as I paused for breath. "As you are all aware, our lineage descends from the Great Dragon herself, with Alexandria as her reincarnation. The Great Dragon is not a deity, as some may think; our world has its own god, distinct from her."

"I need you to grasp that fact," I continued, "she is not a deity. She has been accumulating the powers of her descendants until a suitable host was born to contain her soul. Due to this, she amassed an overwhelming number of powers, and they took over her body."

"She had no control over her actions; the crimes were not her own," I continued. "However, we are subjecting her to a fate worse than death. We will be amplifying her emotions, forcing her to feel every single bit of pain that she put us all through. by the end, she will wish she had just died instead." 

"We cannot slay our former Great Dragon, but we can strip her of her titles and ensure she faces the consequences of her actions," I informed them. "Although my sister and I possess powers beyond those of a typical dragon, you must understand that we are no different from the rest of you. We make mistakes, we falter, and we endure the consequences. Should I ever make a grave mistake, I too shall face punishment."

"This is the purpose of our council," I explained. "All actions and punishments are subject to a vote, just as in this case. The council has voted to punish Alexandria for her actions." With a gesture, I signaled for the doors to be opened, and the twin doors of the throne room swung wide to reveal Alexandria and James standing before them.

James was the first to enter, offering a bow in my direction before taking his stand alongside the other kings.

Alexandria approached us slowly, her expression one of fear and vulnerability. Suddenly, a rotten tomato struck the back of her head, emitting a disturbing squelch. I felt the urge to shout at the perpetrator, having anticipated such an incident. After the impact, she paused, seemingly torn between fleeing and continuing forward, but ultimately, she persevered.

She halted at the base of the stairs that ascended towards me and dropped to her knees, offering a bow. Her voice rang out, strong and distinct. "Great Dragon, I submit to whatever punishment you deem appropriate for my transgressions, even if it means death."

I approached her. "You will not die today, sister. You know your fate; are you ready?"

"I am." she answered. 

"Then follow me." i told her and walked to the center of the room where a large pole stood, shackles and chains attached. 

Astraea made her way down to my side as two guards put the shackles on her wrists and ankles. 

"Seven days," I declared, loud enough for all to hear, yet addressing my sister. "For seven days, you shall remain here. You will be given only bread and water, thrice daily. A bucket will be provided for you to relieve yourself twice a day. You will be forced to feel the pain that you have caused. The throne room shall remain open to the public so they may witness your penance, but you shall be safeguarded against physical harm at all times."

"you may beg and plea to be let you, for your pain to be ended." i continued. "but you will be ignored. if you refuse to eat, you will be forced to. you will see this through to the end. when the seven days are up you are to remain under watch at all times in the palace of Luna island. if you are to cause harm to anyone ever again, you will be put to death. this is your final chance. but you understand all as i have told you?"

"I do." she answered, trying to remain strong. 

"Very well." i looked to Astraea. "do as you must."

Astraea stepped forward and whispered, "Forgive me, Mother." She placed her hand on her mother's forehead, her hand glowing a violet light.

Immediately tears begun to pour from Alexandria's eyes, she tried to remain strong. but i could tell she was in pain. she let out a scream of agony as she fell to her knees, body trembling. 

I had to turn from my sister, seeing her like this hurt. i spotted Althaeon comforting his partner, her succubus powers caused her to feel what my sister had been forced to feel. He scooped her up into his arms, her body shaking with pain. 

he approached me and bowed. "we must take out leave, Great Dragon. we will be returning to Ignisfatia at once as being close to mother at this time is harming her."

"Safe travels then son." i gave a nod before he ran out of the room with his love.

Another ear-piercing scream emanated from Alexandria. I declared loudly, "I take my leave, and you are all free to do the same," before exiting the room. I hurried to my own room, shut the door behind me, and then vomited into the chamber pot.

The door opened soon after and Alana walked in and started rubbing my back. "Are you okay my love?" 

I looked to my wife, tears filling my eyes. "I wanted to rip the throat out of the one who threw that tomato at her." i told her. 

"i know." she gave a nod, "i could hear it in your voice when you were talking. it will probably get worse for her."

"i know." i told her. "i just hope she can handle it."