I've always loved you, Bright. From the very beginning, I've always loved you, from then until now. But then I had to survive by hating you after you left me. Because I didn't know how to live without you in my life. Loving you is like holding a rose, Bright. My blood flows with it.
— Emma
~~~
"Emma White and Cole Armstrong, you have been found guilty of treason and theft of the royal jewels. By the order of the Dominion Grant Kingdom, and with the cooperation of the Kingdom of Ravendale, you are sentenced to death by beheading," the head guard announced, his voice booming over the hushed crowd.
Emma was forced to her knees, the rough wood of the platform digging into her legs. She felt the cold, unyielding surface of the execution block against her cheek as she was made to lay her head down.
…
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the executioner stepping forward, his grip tightening around the hilt of the sword.
…
