Now, the execution begins

Elora brought out an hourglass; with a wave of her hands, it hovered in the air, clear for all to see—as the sand trickled down slowly.

"Once the sand runs out, execution begins." Elora leaned comfortably into her seat and picked up her iced tea.

Albert, Mia and Lisa looked carefully at the crowd of servants, checking for anyone who seemed suspicious. Their intense gaze added to the pressure and the slow sliding sand.

Elora watched everyone from the rim of her cup, savoring the sweet taste of her tea. She picked up a shortcake, the soft creamy texture dancing on her tongue as she munched.

The servants grew nervous and anxious as the sand trickled halfway down. They glanced at their fellow workers and soft chatters filled the room.

"Do you understand what Her Majesty mean by those words?''

"Please come out whoever you are?''

"Oh Lord of light save us, don't let the queen execute us all.''