Chapter 36 Pauper To The Throne

Ariana’s POV

In a sudden twist of events, I wasn’t dead.

Jasper’s sword hung above me, dancing in my face. In a way, if felt like it mocked me. The sharp blade hovering above me, capable of taking my life but just not doing it.

I wondered why I wanted to live, why in that moment where I thought my life had ended, I decided not to die.

I had no one and the empire my father built was in shambles. But looking at the face above me that mocked me, thrilling in his devious act of mercy, my decision had been made.

I knew I wanted to kill him. I had said it, meaning every word as though I tattooed it in my bones.

My death ultimately meant nothing when I thought about it so why should I decide to die now? When he’d still be alive, why would I die living in a world where he simply lived and triumphed?