"Empress Callista Everylyn, you are hereby charged with treason, and the betrayal of this kingdom."
The sky lit up, a flash of lightning illuminating the scowl on the imperial guard's face. It was a look that could only be described as pure, unadulterated disgust, a look Callista had known all too well.
There were many expressions on the crowd's faces. Some were filled with a disgust just as prominent as his, others a twisted sense of pity, but also relief. However, one face stood out more than any other. It was the face of her husband, her betrayer, Lucien Thaloran, simply watching with a stoic expression on his face as Callista, the notorious "blood rose" of the empire, groveled at the feet of all her subjects.
Lucien! He's here! He will help me!
There he stood, his imposing figure untouched by the pouring rain. His outfit was obnoxiously ostentatious, as if he had planned on this day and dressed specifically for the occasion.
On the neckline of his coat, there a large symbol was ingrained, adorned with gold-It was Callista's family crest, the one he now wore proudly, practically gloating.
How could this be? This isn't happening.-At least that was what Callista wanted to believe, but her time had come-the time the "blood rose of the empire" would finally fall.
As she looked at him and they locked eyes, there was not a single trace of guilt or regret in his eyes at all.
The same eyes that had once looked at her with such warmth were now just as empty and hollow as his "love" for her.
Angry tears began to run down Callista's face, now tainted by dirt, even as she opened her mouth to speak, she choked up on her words, only incoherent sounds came up. Her vision was obstructed by her long, scarlet hair, soaked by the unforgiving rain.
All she could do was reach her arms out, grasping at the off chance her husband would help her, save her, do anything at all!
After all of my sacrifices! It was all for him!He won't let me die like this-He cant!
Her arms stretched out to him, only to fall short as he stepped back in disgust, adjusting his glove, before turning to the guard and giving the order, the one to execute her.
"Do it."
Lucien coldly turned his gaze away from her as the Imperial guard raised his sword right at Callista's throat, just barely grazing her neck.
The crowd shrunk back, anticipating Callista's inevitable demise. As Lucien walked away, his back turned to her, he said what would be his last words to her. "Goodbye, Callista."
I guess it was all only a facade in the end.
He paused, finally turning to look at her pathetic, groveling form. "It's been fun, Thank you for everything."
He took everything from me. My title, my power, even all of my magic!
"Do you have any last words?"
Damn this bastard!
"You..took everything away from me!"
Lucien turned once more, and this time with a slight smile-a sadistic one, almost as if he was amused. He leaned in close to Callista's ear, uttering words only she would hear, unbeknownst to the crowd.
"Took everything away from you..? No, you gave it all to me. Willingly! Not to worry, I will be taking care of your kingdom in your…indefinite absence, although it's not like anyone will miss you. Afterall you proved to be quite the raging Tyrant."
Callista choked up on her words again, but there was nothing left to say. He's right. I did give it all to him willingly. I neglected my kingdom and I even destroyed the source of magic, the mana crystal I swore to protect, just so nobody would be able to oppose his authority.
"Farewell, Callista!"
Why did I do it all? I just wanted to be loved-by him-even if all my subjects hated me!
Lucien feigned pity in front of the crowd. He turned away for the last time, disappearing into the crowd.
All of it…for him!
The guard stepped forward, positioning his sword at the angle to behead her.
I despise him. If I had another chance, I would do everything in my power to make him miserable!
Then, finally, the guard lowered his sword, and swung, fulfilling the execution. Callista Everylyn, 24 years old, was dead.