Prologue
“Through pride, we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience, a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune.”
― C.G. Jung
For the first time since her rise to power, Queen Cecilia of the Hylantian Kingdom felt powerless. Vulnerable. Unfit to rule.
She knew, deep down, her excessive arrogance was to blame. Her inability to see the trouble she caused for worrying about her well-being brought forth the destruction that now littered her home. No matter how much she tried to justify her reasons, find some means of finding good and assuring herself, Cecilia was unable to do so. Despite how much she wanted to refuse this fact, Cecilia knew what she had done, and she failed to stop it when it became clear to see.
Cecilia looked at the pieces that once made up her castle, staring at parts that made up the massive beacon formerly bathed in the glory of the rising and setting sun for thousands of years. The glorious rocks and stone carvings that once stood high above the rest were now demolished, scattered, and burning in the infernos that dispersed. The banners, signifying the emblem of the Hylantian Kingdom, were torn by collapsing rocks and scorched by the embers beneath them. She wondered how long it took for the seamstress to craft the glorious fabrics for the next reigning family, how proud they were after putting so much work into those magnificent pieces. She pondered if they were still alive or if they were so old, they outlived their creators. Maybe they were rolling in their graves over their work now going up in flames and shredded by the rubble surrounding them. Cecilia gazed at where the stained glass windows once filled the room with vibrant colors. She recalled how each set showcased the story of the kingdom’s history, and she felt sick knowing they were gone and how long it would take to recreate them. Cecilia, then, turned her attention to her throne; the seat that was marveled by those fortunate to see it now appeared less vibrant. It was covered in a thick layer of dirt and dust, and the ethereal design that once shimmered in the sunlight seemed to fade. Another grim reminder of the fate that had befallen her kingdom.
Cecilia stared solemnly as tears began to form in her eyes, her lips trembling as she stifled a cry. What would the other Kings and Queens of the past think of her? Would they look at the scene around her and laugh, mock her as the Queen who single-handedly destroyed the kingdom by merely being an inconsiderate, childish brat? Worst of all, what would her parents think of her? After everything they did to maintain peace and order, what would they say to her after seeing this?
The memories of the two people she admired broke her, and Cecilia began to wail in agony.
“What have I done?” She sobbed, looking to the cloudy heavens. “If I had known this was the end result, I...I would have…” She sniffed, wiping her face with a gloved hand before sobbing more. “I would have prevented all of this. No one would have gotten hurt or...or died.” She raised her head to the skies. “This kingdom would have prospered the way it was supposed to, the way I have envisioned it.” She heaved a heavy sigh as her head lowered in shame. “How could I have been so naive…?”
No one responded to her. No one came to assure her everything was going to be okay, that she was not to blame for this. Instead, she was met with the distant sound of crinkling flames and explosions from outside of the castle. No one heard her, not that it mattered anymore. As far as she was concerned, no one cared about what she had to say. She failed as a Queen, and no one would dare follow a failure.
Before long, Cecilia heard the faint sounds of footsteps methodically making their approach, eerily reminiscent of a predator stalking its prey. She listened to the sounds growing closer with every step they took, staring ahead as her tears dried against her cheeks. In any other scenario, Cecilia would have risen to her feet and turned to face the intruder. She would have brandished her weapon proudly in one hand and prepared to stand her ground. Unfortunately, Cecilia wondered how she could stand tall like a Queen when all around her, she allowed it to be destroyed like this. At that thought, she considered fleeing the scene, saving herself rather than fighting. At the same time, she wondered where she would go if she succeeded in escaping? Would any of the other six kingdoms in the land be willing to take her in after finding out what she let happen? Did they hold a grudge against her for all the years of beating them down so she could stand on top? That alone made her realize the gravity of her situation: she had nowhere to go. It was unlikely any other ruling leader would accept her. Perhaps they would see her as bad luck, an omen for devastation, and turn her away at the door. Maybe they would use the moment to mock her, laugh at the thought of karma creeping around the corner to strike Cecilia down when she least expected it.
The thought upset Cecilia.
Soon after catching wind of the footsteps did Cecilia listen to them take their final steps, allowing the individual loom over and casting a shadow over her. Silence befell the empty room once again, and Cecilia decided against making any moves. She knew who it was. Without having to look over her shoulder, Cecilia already knew who was standing behind her. And if her gut was speaking the truth, then she knew what was going to happen. She was going to die, struck down by the stranger without a single thought for Cecilia’s wishes.
Shockingly, she felt at ease. Despite the overwhelming emotions of anguish and shame overtaking her, she felt oddly calmed by the notion of her own demise. She convinced herself that this was what she deserved. This was her punishment for failing her people and allowing this destruction to occur to their kingdom. A fitting way to bring an end to a dark era in history.
With that in mind, Cecilia composed herself and raised her head ever so slightly. If this was the end, then the least she could do was assure the individual that she had no intention of fleeing.
“If you are going to strike me down right now,” she said, “then I would suggest getting it over with.” The person did not answer. Cecilia heard the faint sound of the individual inhaling, but that was the only sound she heard. Maybe they were surprised by the statement. Nevertheless, Cecilia continued. “You...you were right. It pains me to admit this after all this time, but you were right. I was never fit to sit upon this throne and rule. All I’ve done is bring shame to the kingdom, these people, and to everyone given the privilege of ruling. Including my father and mother.” She chuckled pitifully as she stared ahead. “My negligence has cost the lives of so many innocent people. People who had nothing to do with our feud, caught in the crossfire. My arrogance blinded me to see how my people suffered under my rule, and now I’m left with nothing but shame and regret.” Cecilia’s gaze lowered, staring at something in particular in front of her. “I know what you’re here for, and I want you to know that I won’t stop you. This is how I will repent for the crimes I have committed.”
With that said, Cecilia waited patiently for the individual to make the next move. She had nothing more to say; all she wanted now was for her suffering to end. Maybe the individual was hoping she would say more, but after another short time passed, they made their move. Cecilia watched as the shadow of an elongated object began to rise high above her. She recognized it as a sword, and she began wondering if her death would be quick and painless or if they wanted to watch her suffer for everything that she did. She could not decide which was more appropriate for her and instead chose to close her eyes and await her impending demise.
If only she had not been so vain...
