She already confessed to the crimes. Being tortured for answers as to where her army is was pointless. Her army didn't really exist, but how was she supposed to explain that? Why should she tell them what happened to the children? No one went looking for her when she was missing for five years. Why couldn't the King allow her to take full responsibility for the burning of the village? Shouldn't that be enough for him? It was enough for her. On the other hand, she was cold, hungry, and humiliated. Maybe she should say something and all this would be over. She lost count of the days she was there for they all started blending together. The torture on her mind was worse than what was being done to her body.
No. As much as she wanted rest, she didn't want the King to have any satisfaction. What was done to her wasn't fair so why should he get what he wanted? Her anger and revenge kept her from breaking day after day. The King, however, was hanging on by a thread. He should have sent her off the moment he saw her wounds heal as quickly as they did. He knew he was dealing with something dark and evil, but he wanted answers even if he was in over his head. His country deserved closure and he was going to provide it.
After seven months trying to get what he wanted from the she-demon, he had enough. No matter what was done to her, she wasn't speaking.
"Just kill her!" he yelled, slamming his fists on the wooden table. "Burn her alive!"
People of Archenland came from across the lands to witness the execution of the most heinous criminal known to the country. The raven-haired girl walked through the crowd of people with her head held high, a slight smirk of her face even as the people shouted degrading insults at her. Once she was securely tied to the wooden stake, the King stood up and the crowd went quiet.
"I thank you all for being here today. This maiden, who refuses to give her name, from the former village of Harting, is hereby sentenced to immolation for her crimes of murder, arson, and kidnapping," the King's voice boomed as the people cheered. "Unfortunately, there are still many questions that have gone unanswered, I apologize to my people for not giving them what they deserve, but today will be the first day in the direction of healing."
He turned to the bruised, bloody, and beaten body tied to the wooden stake and asked if she had any last words.
She grinned. "I'll be back!"
"Burn her!" the people chanted.
The King gave the signal and six hooded executioners placed their torches under the stake. The crowd cheered as the smoke rose and soon the fire licked the feet of the maiden. She didn't move. She closed her eyes and welcomed the heat and flames that engulfed her. It was a temporary relief from what she had been through, but she couldn't deny the pain. As she started screaming from the agony that consumed her, the crowd cheered. The King nodded his head in proud approval. This evil would soon be gone and the country could focus on moving on. So the King hoped; so he thought.
Not many stayed to watch the fire go out. Those who did were horrified at the image before them. The maiden was burned, no living flesh, yet she breathed. She was alive.
There was only one thing left for the King to do. This was officially out of his control and he needed the help of those who could handle such sorcery. Her charred remains were taken down from the stake and the maiden spent her remaining days in Archenland locked in the dungeons. No one came to clean her up. No one came often to give her food and water. She sat in silence and watched as her skin repaired itself; black hair beginning to grow back.
120 days since her failed execution, she was dragged out of the cell and thrown before the feet of a King and Queen.