As the night wore on, the king took the stage to thank the neighboring kingdoms for their presence. "Your support means the world to us," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. " Let us celebrate our unity and prosperity!". The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, and the music began to play once more. Rae smiled and clapped along, feeling a sense of belonging and joy.
But her happiness was short-lived. As she turned to leave, she felt a hand grasp her arm, pulling her into a dark corner. She struggled to free herself, but it was too late. Izzy and her mother, the queen, stood before her, their eyes gleaming with malice. ' You think you're so special, don't you, Rae?' Izzy sneered. "But you're nothing but a mere pawn in our game of power".
The queen smiled, her lips curling upwards." Yes, dear Rae. We've been waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And now, with the neighboring kingdoms distracted by celebrations, we can finally take care of you once and for all." Rae's heart raced as Izzy and the queen close in on her, their eyes blazing with a sinister intent. Suddenly, the queen's hand shot out, striking Rae across the face with a resounding slap.
'You'll never be queen,' the queen hissed. ' You will never have power or glory. You are nothing but a servant, a mere plaything for us to use and discard.' Rae's head spun, her cheek burning with pain. She stumbled backwards, tripping over her own feet. As she fell, Izzy and the queen laughed, their voices echoing through the hallway like cackling of witches. Izzy and the queen exchanged a sinister glances, their eyes beaming with malice. "We'll make sure the king never looks at you the same way again." Izzy sneered.
The queen smiled, her lips curling upwards. " Yes, dear Rae. We'll make sure you're the last person on his mind." With that they swiftly departed, leaving Rae shaken and confused. What did they have planned for her? and how could she stop them? As she made her way back to the party, Rae noticed the king's gaze on her, his eyes filled with newfound coldness. She tried to approach him but he turned away, his expression darkening.
Suddenly, a servant rushed forward, whispering something into the king's ear. His face turned red with rage, and he turned to Rae, his voice thundering through the hall. " Guards! take her away! She's a traitor to the crown!" Rae's heart raced as the guards dragged her away, the king's words echoing in her mind. What had Izzy and the queen done to make him hate her so? And how could she clear her name? As Rae was dragged away, she caught a glimpse of Izzy and the queen smirking in the shadows, their eyes gleaming in triumph. She knew that they had orchestrated her downfall, but she had no idea how or why.
The guards threw her into a dark, damp cell deep in the castle dungeon. Rae's mind raced with thoughts of what could have led the king to turn against her so suddenly. She had always been so loyal, always served him with honor and dedication. As the hours passed by, Rae heard the sound of footsteps outside her cell. The door creaked open, and a figure slipped inside. It was Prince Cyrus, his eyes shining with concern. "Rae, what happened?" he whispered urgently. " The king has ordered your execution for treason. I can't believe it. You're innocent, I know it."
Rae's heart swelled with gratitude. " Izzy and the queen," she whispered back " They must have manipulated the king somehow, but I don't know how or why." Prince Cyrus' face hardened. 'I'll find out' he vowed. " And I'll stop the execution, no matter what it takes." With that he disappeared into the darkness, leaving Rae to hop that he could save her from the king's wrath. But as the hours tick by, she heard the sound of footsteps outside her cell once more. This time, it was the executioner, come to take her to her fate. The executioner's face was grim, his eyes devoid of emotion. " Time's up Lady Rae" he said, his voice cold." The king's orders are clear, you are to be executed"
Rae's heart raced, her mind reeling with desperation. She knew she had to think fast, or her life would be over, Suddenly, she remembered the small hidden dagger she gad in her bodice, a gift from Cyrus when he had earlier visited. With swift movement, she pulled out the dagger and held it up, ready to defend herself. The executioner sneered, but Rae could see the faintest glimmer of uncertainty in his eyes. Just then, a loud commotion echoed through the dungeon, followed by the sound of clashing swords. The executioner's eyes flicked towards the noise, and Rae saw her chance. With a fierce cry, she lunged at the executioner, dagger flashing in dim light. He stumbled back, surprised, and Rae took advantage of the momentary distraction. As she ran, the corridors seemed blur together, her breaths coming in short gasps. She could hear the executioner's shouts, the guard's footsteps closing in, but Rae refused to give up.
Suddenly, a hand reached out of the shadows, pulling her into a hidden alcove. It was CYRUS, his eyes blazing with determination. " Come on" he whispered dragging her through the windy passageways " We have to get out of here, now."