Not Giving Into Fate

1. Necklace of Rope and Needles

My once beautiful white hair was stained red, clumped together from my own blood's coagulation. The long strands that used to flow to my lower back are choppily cut above my ears with random long strands hanging loose around me. My hair was the symbol of my power, the symbol of my family name and the authority we held.

I shivered as I heard the door open, wondering how I would be abused today by the random stranger who would be coming to visit me. I wasn't in a regular cell, I was stuck in a place secluded from other prisoners. From what I knew, many soldiers guarded this entrance, preventing anyone from entering except the very few who would have access to see me.

I listen to the steps, heavy and distinctly male. I crawl backwards, wincing when I feel the wall. I look down at my wrists and ankles, chained to the center of the floor so I can at least walk around the cell but I no longer have the energy to do that. I hear the footsteps round the corner and I am greeted with my despicable visitor.

I frowned when I saw the stupid guard, Dolan, that followed my husband around, a loyal dog that worshipped his steps. He has two other guards with him, men I've seen before. I hear Dolan command for them to open the doors and take me out. I freeze, knowing what today is.

My death day, I must have been found guilty of poisoning Catherina, an act I didn't do. I was framed, someone else wanted her dead, but they wrongly accused me. My own father was the one that put me here, the Prince agreeing before taking the stupid whore to the doctor.

I snapped out of my daze when the last chain fell to the ground. I was hauled to my feet. I moved my wrists in a circle to stretch them out, but the guard in front of me chained my wrists. I frowned. My wrists have bled and scabbed over due to the handcuffs, but now it felt as if these scabs have reopened.

The guard behind me pushed me forward. I let out a snarl and looked behind me. "I may be walking to my death, but I am still a Solon and I am not to be treated like an animal. Let me have my dignity before I die."

The guard looked at me with wide eyes and then looked to Dolan. I turned and glared at the dog, questioning if he will listen to me. He stares me down, not a single emotion has crossed his face. He finally nods and the guard loosen their hold around my upper arm. I huff and smooth down my dirty nightgown, the only fabric I was allowed to keep on.

I followed Dolan with as much pride I still had. I kept my back straight, head up and limbs unmoving save for my feet. My two guards flanked my back while Dolan marched straight away. I followed him out of my pathetic dungeon. As we kept walking, I realized where I have been. I've been in the colosseum, my death would be a public enjoyment.

I felt my blood run cold as the sun hit me for the first time in weeks. I wondered what my death would be. Would I be hung? Would I be given that generous death that all treasonous nobles get? Would I be treated as a common criminal? Dared to fight a beast that was captured, starved and beaten with a dull iron sword? Would I be treated as a slave? Chained to the center of the stage with a mere wooden sword?

People didn't like me, I could hear the shouts of the crowd ahead of me. Dolan stopped me in front of the gates and I could peer into the remaining minutes of my future. Thankfully I spot the makeshift stage where people would be hung. I could count three ropes, two others should be joining me then.

The shackles of chains rings in my ears and I turn to see two strangers, each guarded with their own soldier. I recognize them as lower nobles, thankful that I am not given a commoner's death. They stood behind me, all of us waiting for the signal to walk forward.

I was the one closest to the gate, closest to the sun. I closed my eyes, eyes hot against the beating sun rays. I love it. It's a pretty day to die, a pretty day to remember the little good in my miserable life.