The Reign Of Kings

Chapter 14: See You On The Other Side

Jane POV

I need to say goodbye.

I try to control the tears that are streaming down my face. My breathing is laboured, my eyesight blurred with tears, and I am standing in an alleyway utterly helpless. For once I am helpless in life. And I don't care. I am going to die either way. I wipe away the tears as my crying slows to a stop.

After a few minutes I walk back onto the busy streets, people do not mention my tear-stained face, either because they don't notice or they are used to a girl crying on the street. I try to hurry while maintaining a casual facade. I have two days to leave.

Annie's small house comes into view, I forget about being calm and collected and start to run. Tears forming in the corner of my eyes.

You are a Queen, Queens don't cry.

Well not anymore.

I push open the door, Annie is staring at me.

"Jane why-"

I cut her off, hugging her tightly.

"I couldn't do it. I can't bear being there anymore," I shudder, pulling her closer. "I am sorry,"

"What do you mean?"

Looking up at her, I step back.

"I have two days," is all I said.

Annie visibly pales.

Everyone knows about how harsh the Queen's rules are. And if they give you a limit you will never surpass it.

"I am going to leave tomorrow, but I have a favour to ask of you. Will you accept?"

"Depends on what it is?" is as smart as she is, I expected this.

"I have some loose ends that need cutting. More precisely one." I pause looking at her. "A scribe and personal assistant to the prince know about my connection to the Queens."

Annie narrows her eyes at me.

"You want me to kill him?"

I nod gravely.

Annie knows how much I hate innocent people dying, even if it's by my hand.

"I will do it when you leave, but you must pack now." She pushes me towards my small room. "I will cook dinner whilst you do that. Okay?" She gives me a pointed look.

I nod obediently too drained to say anything.

Dinner had a sorrowful mood clouding over the joy a home-cooked meal would usually have. The silence was almost deafening.

"I hope you know, that if I leave we cannot see each other again" I break the silence, looking up at her. "And if you see me you have orders to kill me."

She nods and stares down at her plate, which is now empty.

I stand up, walking over to her. She looks up at me, her eyes are slightly red as tears stream down her face.

No words need to be said as she embraces me. All of her emotions flowed out through this simple gesture. Of friendship, of kinship, of love.

"I am going-" a sob cuts her off. "-going to miss you-you idiot." she squeezes me tighter, her sobs getting louder.

I chuckle at this predicament.

"I think this is quite funny if you look at it a certain way". Tears blur my vision. Pulling back, I wipe my now tear-stained face.

"Annie, you were always the one to care for me, you-you're my big sister" tearing up again, I continue. "I was always so reckless, always so devoted to this idea of a rebellion." I laugh as I recall many memories of our youth. "You always said that a rebellion is pointless, and scolded me for it"

A small laugh leaves her lips. Her grip tightens around me before she lets go completely.

"You need to get going Jane, avoid main towns and well-known roads." She stands, grabbing the dirty plates. "I will pack some food for you."

Walking outside, the darkness easily concealing me, I turn to Annie.

"Don't get killed, okay?" Annie pulls me into a hug.

I'm going to miss her.

"I'm an ex-queen. I've got some tricks up my sleeve"

Annie laughs.

"See you later then"

I nod, worried I would choke up.

Turning and walking away was the hardest thing I will do.

"I should've listened to you, Annie. I should've listened." 

♤♡♢♧

Word Count: 700
Date: 11/05/2020

A/N

Hey,
Sorry for a short and fairly late chapter.
I am writing the next chapter now, but I can't promise any dates. 

Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my editor @Ekate94 !!!
(who needs to edit the new Chapters)

Hope you're all safe and well

-CheeseCake