Execution
Slow feet ascended up the stairs. A heavy heart that grew even heavier every second. The guard announced his arrival and now he was facing his daughter behind bars.
"I'm sorry," he apologized for what felt like the thousandth time. "I have not stood by you."
She sniffled. "You have stood by me always. You are the only one who has," she replied. She hated to see him cry.
He made a plea to her. "Regina, you can escape execution. Just apologize and be sincere about it. Please. Do it for me. I don't want to see my only chid put to death." Such pain and agony displayed and it gripped her heart. He was scared out of his mind for her.
"Daddy," she started to say. "It's going to be fine." They heard the guards come to take him away. "I love you," she whispered.
Once he was gone, she stood by the window again. The crowd had gotten larger no doubt taking pleasure in her dying by arrows. She thought about what her father said. Maybe she would apologize although she wouldn't mean it. She was going to be selfless and do it for him. They still needed each other.
Minutes later, she felt her back against the stake and ropes around her wrists. She looked around at the passive faces. All waiting for her to die. She finally glanced at Snow and her husband and more rage filled her.
No, she couldn't. Begging for forgiveness was not her style. She would tell these people how she felt. How Snow devastated her life and ruined everything good in it. Now she sits up there like some naive princess thinking she can be a better queen. The idea was laughable.
The cricket came into her field of vision and told her this was her time to basically repent. He asked for her last words. She glanced at the faces and saw her father's. He nodded briefly thinking she would take his advice.
"I'm sorry daddy but I can't do it," she thought.
Her speech made everyone gasp. She felt a little satisfaction. Her words were going to be seared into Snow's brain. It wasn't the speech she thought of but this was far better.
The blindfold wrapped around her head and she prepared herself for the arrows to pierce her body. This was it. She was going to be with Daniel. Alas, Snow the execution to her surprise. She stood in shock and then curled her lips. The girl still had a soft spot for her.
Henry felt relieved. Regina escaped execution but what would happen now. Their days ahead were going to be interesting.