The scene sobers up the palace, and soldiers jump to command, following in hot pursuit. Aethelbald is furious. And whatever punishment he has planned will be torturous.
“Bring the prisoners into the courtyard,” he orders as I am forced outside.
The gallows stand ominously ahead, dominating the darkness. But they aren’t for me because Aethelbald would be hanged for treason if he killed me without cause. I am still his queen and under the protection of the church.
“Unhand me, you imbecile,” I demand, shrugging my captors off me.
We come to a stop a few feet away from the gallows, and when my friends and family are herded in front of me, I know death will be bestowed tonight.
Skarth is at the end of the line. He looks at me, nothing but worry in his eyes. Not for himself, however. But for me.
I nod at Benedict, for I judged him when I shouldn’t have. I hope he forgives me.
“You are here because of your queen,” Aethelbald says, parading in front of them. “She is loyal to no one other than herself! She refuses to cooperate, so this entire ordeal can be over for us all. Instead, she forces me to behave this way.”
“No one forces you to be cruel. That runs in your blood, as does being nothing but a coward.”
“See how she speaks! No woman should ever talk to a man in such a manner!”
“I will speak to whomever I wish, however I want.”
I know this isn’t doing me any favors, but I will not roll over.
“I challenge you to that claim as I ask again, the brother you spoke to, who was he?”
Benedict’s interest is piqued, which has me believing every word Brother Maurice said. He must be protected at all costs, for I fear the church’s loyalty will waver if I fail to ensure his safety.
“You are as deaf as you are a fool, for I already told you, I do not know who you speak of.”
Aethelbald exhales slowly. “All right, my queen, let it be your choice then. In front of us stands your most cherished. I demand you choose one to save…and one to slay. A life for a life.”
“I will not!”
He storms forward and purses my cheeks in his hand. “You will so!”
Skarth advances, ready to rip off Aethelbald’s head, but a guard drives the end of his sword into his stomach, winding him.
“It’s an easy choice. Or perhaps you don’t love any at all.”
I know what he’s doing. I am expected to pick Skarth, but he knows that if I choose someone other than him, the person I choose is likely involved with Brother Maurice.
Which is why I cannot choose Benedict. If I do, he will torture him for information, and death will be a mercy.
But who do I sacrifice to save England?
“Is it not enough that I promise to concede?”
“No!” Aethelbald roars, withdrawing his sword and pointing it at me. “Because loyalties still lie with you, and until that is broken, I will never be king!”
“You’re nothing but a spoiled brat having a tantrum,” I reply, unmoved.
I’m biding my time, hoping a plan will unfold soon.
I look at Catherine, my beautiful child, who has grown into a strong woman. She may not be my blood, but that matters not because I see her as my own. But I’ve failed her. I have failed them all.
“I offer my life in place of the others,” Skarth says.
I meet Skarth’s eyes, shaking my head. But he can see my anguish, especially with Catherine’s life on the line.
