16

Kaya was standing on the balcony beside her parents in the sweltering heat. A thousand thought were running through her mind, but the most concerning? 

Millie was dead.

Beside her, her father held up his hands, calling for silence. "I appreciate all of you coming out toady. As you know, a few days ago, there were bombings in the mines. Killing many of my men and endangering many citizens. Today, we will bring those responsible forward."

On the stage below them, Ronnie and her family here dragged into view. Her companion and the other elves were standing beside the stage, surrounded by guards.

The crowd then began throwing rotted vegetables and fruit at them and chanting, "Kill them! Kill them!"

Kaya swallowed and wiped the seat from her brow.

Ronnie and her brother were forced to their knees while their parents had swords to their necks.

Ronnie was screaming and pleading with to stop, but no one listened.

King Kojo made a gesture with his hand and in one swift motion, their heads were severed from their bodies. 

Kaya swallowed down the bile that threatened to come up and spill over her new gown.

Ronnie and her brother were screaming, sobbing, and struggling against the guards holding them down.

"Let this be a warning to all those who wish to against my rule." King Kojo boomed. "Take the head and put them out on spikes and burn the rest."

With a swish of his cloak, he left the balcony.

Kaya released a shaky breath and glanced over at her mother, who's expression was blank, as if severed heads and burning bodies had no effect on her.

She had long since learned to keep her opinions about what her husband did to herself. The last time she ever spoke out against him at something like this, Kaya had been twelve.

She didn't exactly remember what she had said, but she did remember hearing her screams when King Kojo punished her.

Kaya averted her gaze and locked eyes with her companion who was staring at the sight before him with a pale face. Another elf was struggling to pull Ronnie down from the stage because of her struggling.

The onlookers were still throwing rotted food and now screaming, "Kill them all! Kill them all!"

"Kaya." her mother whispered. "Are you aware of Millie's death?"

Kaya nods.

"And who told you, might I ask?"

"Master Lee." Kaya swallowed. "He canceled class for today and I asked him why, then he told me..she was gone."

"Hm. Millie died fighting for a good cause. I'm sure you're apart of?"

Kaya blinked, surprised.

"Don't think I haven't noticed you and Prince Xavier's little get together?" she smiled, and approached her. "You are doing a wonderful thing, Kaya. I pray you're doing it for the right reason, and I hope you know the risks."

"You're not-upset? Angry?" Kaya spluttered, stumbling back.

"Why would I be?"

Kaya blinked. "I'm going against my father. Your husband. The king."

"As am I."

"What-?"

Her mother leaned toward her. "I will not stand by and let him ruin lives and families. They deserve a chance at being happy, at having a life. And yet, my husband is hanging that over their heads because of power." she tucked Kaya's hair behind her ear. "It is all that matters to him."

Kaya blinked up at her.

"Long live the Revolution."