Crownless

Chapter 10

"She's waking up." I heard vaguely in the distance. Clammy hands were on my forehead, washcloths resting all over my body. I heard whispers. 

"How is she alive?" "We had no pulse for an hour." 

I opened my eyes to bright lights.  A sharp pain way worse than any menstrual cramp made its way up my abdomen. I hissed as I grabbed at it. No wound. How? I focused my eyes by shutting them and opening them again, as I looked around the room. I was in the infirmary surrounded by servants with very concerned looks on their faces. I tried to open my mouth and speak, but cotton mouth wouldn't allow it. 

"Water." I finally gasped. I quickly gulped down the cool water, letting it coat my throat. I cleared my throat, as I tried to speak again. "What happened?" I sat up, wincing. The ladies protested but ignored them. "I won't ask again. Who brought me here?'' I threw down the cup in anger. The servant closest to me jumped at the clank on the floor. They backed away as they began to open their mouths.

"Prince Trystan did." Their voice shook. My brother. I let out a sigh of relief. He's alive.

"Where is he now?" I managed to get on my feet.

 "I don't know. He ran out as soon as he demanded we take care of you." I nodded, thinking of a plan. " Your grace, you were dead. Maybe you should lie down." The servant padded the bed. 

"Only the dead rest." I walked out of the infirmary and down the hall. How did I survive this? I was bleeding out, the metallic taste of it filled my tongue. I had to find my family. I reached down to take a blade off of a guards body.

I hid in the shadows of the dark corridors, listening to combat in the ballroom. I inched my way closer, peeping through the door. I saw warriors battling the witches men, bodies slain everywhere. No sight of my parents. I turned quietly to head in the opposite direction. I heard laughter coming from the throne room. I headed towards its cracked door, peeping through the slit of the crack. I saw the witch and Xavier on my parent's thrones. Servants were bowing to them, sobbing and shaking in fear. I looked around only to see my baby brother Tyson, pinned to the wall. His small legs kicking in the air, tears running down his chubby cheeks. I began to see red as my body shook. I drew my sword, powerless against the witches magic. 

"Let him go." I entered. Xavier's mouth dropped. 

"Impossible, I stabbed you to death." He shook his head in confusion. 

            "Royals don't have the luxury of dying." I spat. 

"Let the boy go." I inched closer to the throne. I stopped midway, looking back to Tyson. 

"Audrielle!" He struggled against the wall. I winced at the sight of him. I took in a sharp breath as I began moving toward the witch again. I gritted my teeth as the anger shook me, and the pain of my wound resonated. I let out a sigh of agitation.

"I'll make a deal." The witch offered. I snapped up to look at her smug face. Make a deal? With the likes of her, she's insane. My anger was boiling so hot inside me. It felt as though lava was pumping through my veins. I took a deep breath, trying not to be sarcastic. Everything within me screamed that I was being an idiot, but that was my brother. He needed me and I will let my stupid pain and pride go.

"I'm listening." I awaited her answer. 

Her smile stretched from her full lips. She licked her lips before making her offer. "Bow to me and he shall be free." She sat up straight,  adjusting her crown. She flipped her locs over shoulder awaiting my answer. 

"I do not bow to no one." I spat.

The intensity in the room started to build, nothing to be heard but my brothers muffled cries. Xavier whistled. He began shaking his head.

"I am your Queen. Bow!" Her voice boomed as if it were thunder. Tyson's sobs began to get louder as I sat there in indecision. These people will not take away my birthright.

I approached the throne. I began kneeling, looking up at her. A smirk stained her face as she watched me bow. She stood up, so I'd be at her feet. She touched my shoulder, laughing as I bowed. I took my opportunity as I drove the blade through her ribs. She shrieked in pain.

"You bitch! You dare doublecross your Queen?" She vanished from in front of me to beside Tyson. She grabbed him and put a dagger to his throat. My heart pounded loudly in my ears, my eyes seeing red.

"Let him go! He's a child!" I tried to reason with her. I ran from the throne towards them. Xavier grabbed me from behind stopping me. I struggled against him and head-butted him. Tyson sobbed as the witch pressed the blade to his neck.

" Your crime of treason is punishable by the death of your dearest younger brother." She sliced the blade across Tyson's neck. She dropped his lifeless body to the floor.

"TYSON! NO!" I ran to him tears running down my face. She laughed and snapped her fingers and her and Xavier disappeared. I finally reached him, hugging his body to me. I buried my face in his chest. No heartbeat was present as mine sped up. I sobbed against him as my body shook against his.

"I'm sorry, so so sorry." I sobbed pulling him into my lap. I began rocking him back and forth, tears running down my neck. I sat there as my sorrow turned to vengeance. I whistled and Leo came from my quarters to my side, licking my tears away. I closed Tyson's eyes and laid him on the floor.

"Come, Leo." I patted the lion on his back. "We have work to do." I picked up my sword and exited the throne room.