At the Point of Death

Just as the Prince was preparing to be executed, a page, in a long grey cloak, came hurrying up the steps. When the page reached the top, he dropped on one knee and handed the Prince a message.

The Prince took it and quickly read it. His face changed from one of someone facing death, to one of great incredulity and joy.

Putting forth his hand he said, as he was helping the page up, “It is I, not you, who should be kneeling, your majesty.” And then he dropped on one knee.

The cloak fell back from the page and there stood Queen Jenelle in all her exquisite loveliness. She had on a gown of pale blue, delicately wrought gold shoes and her hair was studded with jewels. She looked compassionately down at the Prince kneeling at her feet.

Finally, she made a motion for the Prince to stand. The Prince stood and waited in front of Queen Jenelle waiting for her to speak.

“Prince,” said Queen Jenelle said gently, “I am sorry about what you had to go through. I was unaware of the fact that you were going too executed until a few minutes ago when I found it out from my maid.”

Then turning to the Duke, she said coldly, “My lord duke, I am shocked at what you have tried to do. Since you have so kindly gone to all this trouble, we must execute someone. It can’t be just anyone, it must be someone of position, and there are only three people of high rank up here. We can’t execute me, or the Prince, and you’re the only other person up here.”

The Duke went pale, for he understood what she meant.

He leapt for the stairs, but he was met by two of the Royal Guard.

“Duke, don’t try to escape.” Said Queen Jenelle quietly, and then turning to the Executioner, she said, “Sir, instead of executing the Prince, execute the Duke of Corthings.”

“Yes, your majesty.” The Executioner said respectfully.

Then Queen Jenelle turned to the Prince and said, “Prince, a royal carriage is waiting, shall we go? You go first, Prince.”

“No, you should go first, your majesty.” said The Prince.

“No, you shall go first.” Queen Jenelle said firmly, with a slight smile.

“Yes, your majesty.” The Prince said respectfully.

They descended the steps together. The people cleared a path for them, shouting, “Long live the Queen! Long live the Prince!”

When the Prince and Queen reached the carriage, they drove off.

* * * * *

And to give this the traditional happy ending: The Prince and the Queen decided, to prevent any more attempts to steal the throne of Tierney from the Prince, they would marry, and they did.

They had a grand wedding, the people shouting, “Long live the King and Queen!”

So the kingdoms became one and Queen Jenelle and King Arthur ruled Sirine together.

They had a daughter and named her Kayleen. They loved her dearly and she was a sweet girl. Queen Jenelle often spoke to Kayleen of the time that her father had been told, “Death in Three Weeks!”

The End

(Dear me! I feel like perhaps this ending is a bit abrupt. :P If I remember correctly, my 11 year-old self was impatient to finish, and this is the result. :) I REALLY need to rewrite this story. It has a good story line, but needs to be written into a full length novel. I hope you enjoyed it! Tomorrow I will begin to post the next book in the series: "The Mountain Quest". That one is 17 chapters long I believe, so it should last a while. Have a great day!)