In Prison

By now the Prince had reached the dungeons. The guards marched him into a cell. This cell was better than the majority because it had been prepared for him. Here the Prince was locked up.

The Prince glanced quickly about the room. “Well, this is an experience I wouldn’t mind not having.” He said ruefully, “Well, I suppose I might as well make myself comfortable, it looks like I’ll be here for a while.

The Prince didn’t believe that the Duke would go through with the execution; for he knew that the Duke was a coward.

* * * * *

Actually, at that very moment, the Duke was considering that very thing. He didn’t want to do it and face the anger of Queen Jenelle, but he didn’t want to be called a coward by his friends. After pondering it for a long time, he finally decided to go through with it. He would accuse the Prince of insulting the Queen and attacking the person placed in charge by her.

* * * * *

From his prison window, the Prince watched the preparations for his execution. They erected, with no small amount of labor, a large platform with spiral steps leading up to it. Then they made an execution block and placed it on the top of the platform. The Prince had to be executed properly, for he was a prince. The Duke could not actually deprive the Prince of his rank.

As he watched this, the Prince knew that the Duke had decided to go through with it. He also knew his fate was sealed, for unless Queen Jenelle came back in time, he would be executed.

And he also knew that the Queen wouldn’t be back for another three months, too late to save him from death.

* * * * *

Two weeks went by and the Prince grew more and more anxious.

He counted down the days until his execution.

Four days before his execution, the Prince heard shouting.

Looking out of his window he saw the people of the city lining the streets.

The Prince called the guard. “What is going on?” The Prince asked.

“Her majesty, Queen Jenelle, has returned.” The guard replied.

“Returned!” exclaimed the Prince in surprise, “But I thought that she wasn’t going to return for at least two weeks!”

“She wasn’t, but the troubles in the neighboring countries made her worried. so she returned.” The guard said.

“Then do you think that she will free me?” asked the Prince.

“Well, I expect that the Duke won’t tell her that you’re here until after your execution.” The guard said.

“But surely she must find out!” cried the Prince.

“No, the Duke will probably think of a way to keep her from finding out.” Replied the guard.

“Keep her from finding out!” cried the Prince, “But that’s infamous!”

“Sir! If I were you I wouldn’t say such things, the Duke would be very angry if he knew!” exclaimed the guard.

“What would he do? Execute me twice?” asked the Prince with a bitter laugh.

Just then they were interrupted by the shouting in the streets becoming louder. Turning to the window the Prince saw the royal carriage coming down the street. He watched it go past the window.

After it was all over, the Prince sank down on his bed and buried his face in his hands.

End of Chapter Three

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