xx

"Eli, I have the date of the trial!" Abraxas said, walking into her room. He moved to wake her up from the bed, but discovered she wasn't there. "Eli?"

Abraxas turned, noticing that the balcony was open. He pursed his lips and walked over, pushing the door open and looking to the left, where Caspian and Ophelia were asleep in one of the chaises, wrapped into a hug, peacefully breathing.

Abraxas cleared his throat and crossed his arms. Caspian opened his eyes and looked up, eyes meeting Abraxas'

"Eli, get up." Caspian whispered, shaking her gently. Ophelia groaned before stretching out, and slowly opening her eyes. The sun shined in her eyes and she sighed. "Ow." She murmured before looking over at Abraxas.

"Hi, dad." Ophelia said, casually holding out her hand for Abraxas to take and help her up. Abraxas steadied her on her feet before giving her a piece of parchment paper. Gingerly, Ophelia pulled it from his hands and rolled it open, reading through the notes.

"That's tomorrow," Ophelia looked up at Abraxas, baffled. "Why did you make it so early?" Abraxas looked confused and raised his head up. "Because I want to get this finished as soon as possible."

Caspian stood up and bowed his head. "Of course." Ophelia went to argue but Caspian reached over and squeezed her hand. Ophelia looked at him before sighing through her nose and nodding, begrudgingly.

"Okay. I'll be there."

Abraxas tilted his head. "You're required to be there." He turned and left the room, going to send an announcement to the citizens.

Ophelia slowly turned to face Caspian, who pursed his lips. "It's hard to fight for things you believe in when you have a whole kingdom against you."

Caspian walked forward and pressed a kiss to the side of her head. Ophelia closed her eyes and stood on her toe tips, wrapping her arms around Caspian's neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up, spinning her around.

Ophelia released a laugh, tightening her grip on Caspian. "What are you doing?" She giggled. Caspian sat her onto the railing of the balcony. "I'm being a distraction." He rested his chin on her chest and smiled up at her.

Ophelia rested a hand on the side of his face and rested her forehead against his.

"Thank you, my love."

---

"We are all gathered here today to witness the trial of Perseus for his crimes against the crown." Ophelia sat in the throne beside her father's, forcing her head to stay up as the announcer droned on. Perseus was forced onto his knees in front of Abraxas and Ophelia, arms bound behind his back and ankles bound to the floor.

"Do you understand the crimes told to you?" Abraxas boomed, holding up his hand for the announcer to stop.

Perseus slowly looked up, the corner of his mouth twitching as he looked to the side. "I don't understand why you had to make it a whole trial."

Abraxas took a few steps closer and kneeled down in front of him. "Because you touched my daughter. I'm showing everyone what happens when you mess with the crown." Caspian walked through the middle of the crowd of citizens, walking through the gate and stepping closer to Abraxas and Perseus.

"Is it true that you made a replica of the late Queen Natalia's destroyed journal and gave it to Ophelia?" Caspian asked, tossing the black leather-bound book down in front of him.

Abraxas stood up and backed away from Perseus and Caspian, before looking back at Ophelia, who leaned forward and waited for Perseus' answer.

The whole room seemed to hold their breath, waiting for the truth to finally spill out.

"Yes. Yes, I did."

Perseus looked up towards the roof. "What does that have anything to do with what this trial is for?" Perseus sneered towards Caspian before looking up to Ophelia.

"Because you have done everything to make my time here a living hell. You took something special from me, and you thought it was okay to force me to change and then use my body for your own selfish deeds."

Ophelia stood up, walking towards Perseus, the black skirt of her dress brushing the ground. "You thought it was alright to walk over me and think I wouldn't fight back."

Perseus blinked slowly. "Who said I wanted to just walk all over you? What if I wanted you by my side and we walked together?"

Ophelia tensed and pursed her lips. "I never wanted to walk with you. I never wanted you. I had everything I wanted and you took it away. You are selfish."

Tears rolled down her cheeks and she waited. Perseus said no more, just looked down to the ground.

"Do you accept your fate?"

Ophelia asked slowly, letting out a shaky breath. Perseus gulped, closing his eyes. "It's not like I have much of a choice, do I?"

"I said, do you accept your fate?" Ophelia said, much more sternly. Perseus looked up to Ophelia and glared. "I have no other choice than to accept my fate. My fate is in the hands of the crown, not me."

Caspian looked down, starting to unsheathe his sword. "No," Ophelia said, holding out her hand. "I must do this."

Caspian pushed the sword back down. "Are you sure, my love?" He stepped forward, and rested a hand on her bicep.

Ophelia nodded, turning to face Abraxas. "Permission to serve punishment?" Caspian looked towards Abraxas, then back to Ophelia.

Abraxas tilted his head. "Permission granted." Everyone was ushered into the courtyard where the execution stand was set up. The captain walked Perseus forward, down the middle aisle of civilians who had gathered outside.

Perseus knew he was at the end. His low hanging head told everyone everything.

The captain stopped in the middle of the raised platform, pushing him down onto his knees so his head could hang off of the wooden block placed there. Perseus looked to the side, eyes connecting with Yuki's, who was standing in the shadows.

Her eyes widened with tears, and her hands were over her mouth. Perseus has never seen Yuki cry. <i>Stop crying, silly girl.</i> Perseus thought, glaring at her.

Boots stepped up the wooden stairs and Ophelia turned his head towards her. "Do you regret everything you did?" She asked him, looking for a hint of remorse. Maybe if he showed any, this would be easier on Ophelia.

Perseus blinked slowly before opening his mouth. "I regret everything. I also regret nothing." Ophelia sighed and licked her lips, biting them. The executioner stepped forward, but Ophelia held out her hand.

"I have to be the one to do it." Her voice shook and her hands felt clammy, but she reached for the hilt of the sword anyways, holding it as tightly as she could.

Caspian walked up to her. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Ophelia nodded. "I have to severe my trauma." She said.

"You have all gathered to witness the execution of this man. Does anyone object?" Ophelia called out, eyes trained on Perseus' head. Yuki went to step forward, but stopped. <i>They'll just kill me, too</i>. Yuki closed her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"May the gods be with you." Ophelia murmured.

She swung the sword.