Disclaimer: I am nowhere near the genius that is Shakespeare.
A/N: I will admit this is different from most of my other works, which are Harry Potter oriented, but this piece had to be written. It was actually an English assignment: write the missing scene in which Macbeth murders Duncan. I also admit we just started the play in class, so if there are any factual errors I appologize. I hope you enjoy this, I certainly had fun writing fanfiction for homework!
The Murder of Duncan
It had been far easier than he had anticipated. As his wife had promised, the guards were drunk and he slipped into Duncan's room unnoticed. Sighing, Macbeth leaned against the doorway. A sliver of moonlight fell through the window onto Duncan's sleeping form. If only there were clouds in the sky and the chamber were dark. If only he did not have to do this deed; he would rather awaken to discover he had done it without any recolection of the murder.
Macbeth drew his dagger. He had to do it quickly. He had to do it before his resolve crumbled. Why did the witches force this fate upon him? If they had never told him his future, he would never consider killing his king. Until this stage of his life, Macbeth had no ambitions past becoming the greatest warrior. He had been a loyal servant to his king, the king he now betrayed.
Silently Macbeth approached his king. The dagger quavered, raised above the bed. Macbeth could not help wondering if this was worth it. Being king was an unrealistic dream, a dream he could now imagine touching. A dream that grew more tangible by the minute. A dream that would fade if he failed.
In his mind, Macbeth imagined himself as king in Duncan's place. He could see warriors and lords bowing before him, honoring him. His wife stood by his side, no longer calling him a coward.
It was time.
Strengthened by the tempting future, Macbeth plunged the dagger into Duncan's heart. As the blade penetrated the skin, Duncan's eyes flew open to see the face of his murderer. Even as he lay dying, Duncan's eyes were wide and confused, but he made no sound. He gave no cry for help, he watched Macbeth stand over his prone body until at last, his final breath came and Macbeth withdrew the dagger.
It was done.
As though he were in a dream, Macbeth left Duncan's side knowing his betrayal was complete and his fate was sealed. The dagger dripped blood over his clothing and the floors. In a haze, Macbeth walked past the guards and through attendants' chambers until he finally reached the door separating him from his wife. She was the only one who would know of his treachery, all others would fall into the story, unwittingly following their beloved king's killer.
What is done will bring that which aught to be
The truth is hidden from all who could see
A/N: For those of you who are wondering, the iambic pentameter at the end was one of the requirements of the assignment. The other was for it to not be too graphic.