The Violet-Eyed

Chapter 7

Solaria's mind whirled. Treason? For a second, her brain couldn't comprehend the true meaning of the accusation. When had she done a single thing against her own kingdom?

"The accused, Queen Solaria, has admitted that she has no power although she insists she is a Violet-Eyed, according to the witness, which is myself. Queen Solaria, is that true?" Sonara interrogated her with a glint in her eye.

Solaria stammered a barely audible 'yes'.

"It is impossible for a Violet-Eyed to have no power. There has never been such a case before in Soulvalian history. Therefore, my conclusion is that the accused has lied to earn her queenship, and has committed an act that directly jeopardized the kingdom's wellbeing, thus it is treason. Have we all reached an unanimous vote that the accused is guilty of treason?" She glanced at the four other nobles, who all avoided meeting her eyes, but nodded nevertheless.

With a smirk, she pronounced the sentence. "Solaria Archington, former Queen of Soulvale, you have been stripped of your title, wealth and property. In your place, I will rule the kingdom with the help of the four other nobles. You will be sent to prison and you shall await execution. Your caretaker Miriam will go with you to prison and to your execution, for she too has been convicted of conspiring with you and must suffer the same punishment. Your execution will take place at the palace garden in three days – you have a lot of time to contemplate your failure as queen. Guards, arrest Miriam and Solaria this instant and escort them to prison."

"No, you can't do that! Guards, I order you to arrest Sonora this instant! She's a traitor! Please, listen to me!" Solaria pleaded hysterically. "I don't want to die!" she cried. But the guards turned a deaf ear to her pleas.

"I hate you all four, you cowards! You're all Sonora's cronies, aren't you! I hope you'll die a much worse death than I will!" Solaria spat, pointing at the four seated nobles. She didn't know it, but her outburst would prove to be a grave mistake.

Then she felt a blow to her head, and the world went black.

Solaria found herself in a small, cold cell when she regained consciousness. Miriam was in the next cell, separated from her by iron bars. Both of them were chained at the ankles and wrists. Whenever she tried to move, the clanking noise of her chains would alert the guards, who would immediately watch her suspiciously.

"Lady Queen, are you all right?" Miriam asked timidly, her head bowed.

"You! You're the murderer, aren't you? I'm innocent, you hear? But you – you're a criminal who deserves to die, not me!" Solaria spat with such hatred she never knew she was capable of.

"Oh, Lady Queen! How could you possibly accuse me of being a murderer!" Miriam sobbed. "I swear, I never as much as hurt anyone, not to mention murder!"

Solaria shot her a glare of true hatred. She blamed Miriam for getting her into this nightmare, not caring if it made sense or not. Anger was boiling in her heart, taking away her rational mind. As far as she was concerned, Solaria would not talk to a murderer, even if Miriam was the last human she would see. She turned her back on Miriam, determined never to so much as look at her again.

After a great deal of bitterly sighing, wailing and sobbing, Solaria saw from the tiny window of her cell that night had fallen. She lay down on the cold floor, willing herself to fall asleep. She decided that she would not deprive herself of sleep, especially not in her precious last few days.

The sound of a guard's heavy footsteps woke her early in the morning. Squinting, she saw a guard fumble for the key to open her cell. "Are you setting me free, kind sir?" she asked, eyes wide with hope.

"Are you setting me free, kind sir?" the guard imitated her in a mocking voice. "Of course not, stupid idiot."

After unlocking her cell, he reached in and dragged her roughly by her collar. Miriam watched, shocked. "Please, at least tell me where you're taking me!" Solaria begged. Scared out of her wits, she went pale and shuddered for fear of the worst.

"Her Royal Highness ordered another trial to be held. One of the nobles have died. She is convinced that you were behind it." Seeing the shocked expression on her face, he added, "Yes, her title is now Her Royal Highness the Deputy Queen of Soulvale. Not too pleased, are you?"