Prologue
426 Words
Annalize Von Bertrad. She was forcibly married to the Duke who was then framed and assassinated for treason. Elrik tried his best to protect her but ultimately failed when one of her maids confessed to her location.
She was dragged by a carriage back to their estate and when they arrived at the gate, she found her beloved husband's body hanging together with the other knights. Her hopeful thoughts that her husband was alive was shattered. Her beloved husband who gave her warmth when she felt cold, who gave her affection when everyone seemed to hate her and who protected her despite his life being at risk.
She looked at her wounded hands. She remembered what her nanny sang when she was just a child. It was the hymn of the fairies. As she marched into the estate and saw the servants she knew very well, she threw them a gentle smile and gave a nod as if telling them that they will be alright. The servants cried as their beloved madame was about to be burned at the stake.
"Duchess Annalize, do you have any last words before meeting our creator?" the crown prince asked.
She looked at the prince and sighed. She grew up with him and wondered why he was doing this.
"I only have two last wishes, Your Highness. Don't worry, this is something that isn't very trivial," the Duchess said, meeting his trembling eyes.
"Tell us," the prince said, trying to control his tears.
"First, I would like to forgive you. Live well, Your Highness. Don't make me worried sick and take care of your body," she smiled.
The prince looked away.
"And my second wish is to be buried along with my husband," she said. "That will be my final consolation."
The Emperor who was silently watching raised his hand.
"As the Duchess's family contributed greatly to the empire in the past and her bloodline is one of the founding families of the empire, I grant her last wish," the Emperor said.
The knights quickly tied her to the pole and set the stage ablaze.
She looked at the prince who was like her younger brother and to the Emperor whom she trusted and treated like her very own father. Their eyes showed regret and remorse.
She mouthed the words, "We forgive you" to them before feeling the intense pain of the burning flesh. She endured the pain and started singing the hymn to which only the imperial family know, the hymn of the fairies.
Everyone was astounded by the beautiful voice of the burning woman. The crown prince walked away while she burned alive.
- Writer
