The lost Princess

Prologue

She solemnly stared out her window, where the vast image of her kingdom coated in the rays of the setting sun lay. People were gathered in the streets, anxiously waiting for her verdict. In all her years of ruling, she never imagined that she would be torn between duty and family. Her mind was shouting at her to disregard the family relation and just implement the severe punishment while her heart kept beating for forgiveness to all her crimes. But her feelings weren't the only one she would have to consider. There were others who wouldn't allow it.

A knock on the door shook her out of her reverie.

She sat down behind her desk and steeled herself for whoever was outside. For the past few days, the court has been hounding her for decision. "Come in."

She internally breathed a sigh of relief as soon as she saw that it was only her most trusted advisor, Raquim.

"Your majesty." He bowed at her. "The people of Mirage are waiting for the final verdict."

She pursed her lips grimly. "Don't you think I know that?"

Raquim, seeing his friend's inner turmoil, reached out a comforting hand. "Miranda..."

Miranda knew that if she allowed him to comfort her for even a second, she would break down into tears. That wouldn't do. She couldn't show weakness in this place where vultures live. They would devour her at first sight.

"Stop." Raquim's hand fell back down at his side as Miranda stood up from her chair. "I know what to do."

His eyes widened. No, this couldn't be. She must know what will happen if... He hastily tried to make her rethink of her decision. "You're not seriously thinking of-"

Miranda immediately cut him off before he could convince her otherwise. "I said I know what to do!"

The windows rattled as her emotions were unleashed in a torrent of winds. Raquim took a step back and bowed, understanding how hard it is on her and she could not be bothered with anything else.

"Yes, Your highness."

Miranda ignored his lithe form and walked to the throne room, dread filling her every step on the way.

The court room was buzzing in anticipation. Small talks lingered around the room about the situation at hand. Those who were love-fanatics were fanning themselves as they argued to others that the Princess shouldn't be punished because love is not the crime, while those that were anti-royalty were bad mouthing the Princess' bad behavior and demanding that she be sentenced like any other person.

The noise died down as the door opened and in came the Queen. She spared no one a glance, not even acknowledging the bows and curtseys she received. She perched herself in front of her throne, eyes staring straight ahead and an indifferent face.

"May the accused come in front of everybody," she said icily.

Princess Anna stood up from her seat in the sidelines and followed her mother's orders. Guards surrounded her form as she walked. She gave her a small smile, as if knowing what her fate is and silently saying that she understood.

Miranda almost gave in to the temptation of breaking down into tears like what any other mother would do as her child was given her sentence. But she steeled herself and thought of how this is also for her own good.

"You were accused of fraternizing with the enemy and being their spy. The evidences and testaments were laid out and you were proven guilty of your crimes. As written in our law that were established by our ancestors hundreds of years ago, I now sentence you to-" She took a deep breath and forced the words out of her mouth, even if it hurt, even if it meant that she would be losing her one and only daughter. "-death"

Comment or vote if I should continue...