Story 7/1001

• age
• distinct
• second

I should be dead. I can feel my heartbeat, my fingers are moving, my lungs are breathing – but my king killed me. I hear footsteps, yelling, crying – and something else. A sound I have heard many times – one, distinct note.

It’s my funeral.

I opened my eyes, and found myself in a dark carriage. Luckily, I am alone. I peeked through the gray curtains. They are burying me with all honors – like the princess I was.

I smirked. Even the king couldn’t hide my death. I wonder what lie he has told, along with his two sleazy generals. I felt a fire building up inside of me, the rage from being stabbed flowing out of my palms.

Suddenly, the carriage wasn’t dark anymore. My eyes widened as I watched the flames playing on my palms.

“What in Goddesses name-” I whispered and quickly clapped my hands, suffocating the flames.

My eyes lit. I have died. The king did pierce his sword through my guts, and I did hear everything they said.

I sat down and waited for the sounds from the outside to quiet down. The walk to the temple might be filled with the crowd, but no one, aside from the royals and the priest, is allowed at the temple.

The carriage stopped.

“Aeliana Nanaet, the princess of Ilargia, has died from a sudden illness.” The priest sighed. “It is tragic that in this day and age we still cannot help everyone – be they of royal or common blood. But, there is only one truth in all of this – the Gods and Goddesses wanted princess Aeliana next to them – to share her joy and kind spirit, and to watch over our kingdom.”

I heard a loud thud. Then screaming. The queen was sobbing on the floor. My heart clenched, hearing her pain. I wanted to break out – but they might kill me again. Tears rolled down my cheeks – she wasn’t a part of this.

I hugged my knees, waiting for them to put the carriage into the underground furnace.

The minutes felt like hours. Everyone had a speech prepared, a made-up happy memory, compliments to my traits, my looks. I could feel their lies etching in my mind.

Then the king spoke.

“You have said it all – Aeliana, although not my daughter by birth, has and will always be my daughter.”

He just couldn’t not mention that I was the daughter of the Queen’s first husband, could he? The flames inside me wanted out again.

I wanted to let them. I wanted to burn him alive. For what he did to me. For what he wanted to do to my kingdom. My true kingdom. But, if my death has taught me anything, it has taught me when to keep quiet.

The carriage began shaking. Chains rattled, catching onto the carriage. It squeaked, slowly dropping me into the flames. They were roaring, inviting me inside. I stood up and let them consume me. The carriage burned.

I never thought I would see the inside of the furnace. It’s thick, charred walls, it’s cold demeanor, it’s terrifying destiny. I calmed my breath – this Aeliana had to stay calm. This Aeliana had to do better.

This Aeliana had a kingdom to save.

Through the flames I noticed a thin line forming a rectangle – the stone doors. I pushed them, using all the strength I have, and a breath of air seeped through. The flames danced as I closed the doors behind me.

This is my second life. And I will kill the king.