I am Costia.

Chapter 16: Reshop.

Sitting upon the ground, I rested my back against the cold stone wall of my prison cell. My breathing felt shallow. I tried my best to move, to feel I could still stand tall like a warrior, but my body would not allow it. Everytime I moved pain burned through me. My flesh was cut, my bones were cracked, Nia's torturers had left me physically broken.
They tried every twisted way to make me speak of your plans, but I uttered no word. Even through the suffering I would not betray my Heda. Nia foolishly believed the love we had for each other was weakness, she was wrong. Each time her torturers visited my cell I closed my mind to them, thinking only of you. I saw your smile, your eyes, heard the sound of your voice when you said the words, "I love you." It was because of you I carried the will to live, to never falter, no matter how much pain they put me through.
It wasnt long before they called on me once again. I endured days of agony, another made no difference, "Are you not tired of asking me the same questions over and over?" My voice was weary, but I wouldnt allow them to think they'd broken me. As the guards approached, something felt different this time. They pulled me to my feet. The pain was so excruciating, I couldn't stop myself from calling out.
Just as they led me from the cell, Prince Roan confronted them, "Where are you taking the prisoner?" He seemed furious at their actions.
One of the men answered, "She's to be executed." My heart sank.
I looked at Roan, he seemed surprised and angered, "Why was I not informed of this?" He demanded to know.
The soldier did his best to be respectful to The Prince, "I'm sorry, sir. We have our orders. The Queen no longer has any use for a prisoner that wont break."
They continued to lead me out of my prison, Prince Roan followed. He did not agree with his mothers decision, but she was also his Queen and he was bound by oath to obey. I could feel death calling my name.
My heart thudded in my chest as they led me out into a courtyard surrounded by Nia's warriors. Snow was falling, the icy wind bitting at my flesh. Scarlett drops of blood fell from my body, a stark contrast against the white snow. Queen Nia stood in front of me revelling in my blooded appearance.
She spoke with a disturbing sense of calm, "It seems we've reached the end, you and I. If you won't provide me with the information I want, then what use are you to me?"
I looked back at her, holding back my pain, standing tall, "Clearly you underestimate what it means to have honour."
She smiled back at me, "I admire your spirit, but i'm afraid only death awaits you now."
I was done with Queen Nia, no longer wanting to engage with her taunts, "If that is to be my fate, then get it over with."
She nodded and motioned for her executioner to step forward. I was surprised when Roan also followed. He took my chains in his hand and demanded that I kneel. His abrupt words were a smokescreen. As I fell to my knees, he checked my bindings, but whispered kindly in my ear, "She fought for you. Lexa fought for you."
I caught his eye and nodded in gratitude. I knew in that moment Roan wanted no part of my fate. He backed away as the executioner approached with his sword........

....... So, here I now kneel in the snow, my life playing out in my mind. I think of what was, what is, what could have been. My family, my clan and of course you, Heda. I feel a tear fall from my eye, not for sorrow but for happiness. You completed me, even in this cruel world we found love, we found something beautiful together. Remember me when I'm gone, but don't lose your heart, Lexa. Dont shut it down, don't let them tell you, you can't love. They know nothing of the heart and how it yearns.
As the glint of steel rushes towards me I don't fear it. Even as the world fades away and I ride into that gleaming horizon, I see you by my side, smiling back at me. Ste yuj, my Heda, my Lexa, my heart. I'll always love you.
Reshop x