A Jewel in Henry's Crown
Chapter Seventeen: Rupert Wallace's Execution
April, 1537
Once the Royal Court of Henry the VIII returned to Whitehall, Henry had signed—officially—the death warrant of Rupert Wallace. His execution would be taken place in the morning, in the courtyard of Whitehall Palace. Everyone who wished could attend. Even the Lady Wallace had agreed to attend. Charlotte felt a pang of remorse for what her father was going to face. She dared not say it aloud, but from a distance; His Majesty was a murderer. With one simple answer, many could be sentenced to death on the block for any reason—good or not. Rupert was waiting in his prison cell, and stared down below to the grounds were a good number of courtiers and other subjects gathered around to watch his head part his body. Two guards came to escort him to the block. When Rupert looked out to the crowd, he spotted his wife and daughter standing not far from the scaffold. He sent them looks of remorse and guilt.
Unbeknownst to him, Charlotte inside was screaming and begging for this to stop. She had read the letter of apology and felt compassion for her father. "Before I leave this earth, executioner, I would like to say a few sentences before I move on." Rupert exclaimed. The executioner nodded and Rupert stepped up.
He sighed and looked at the crowd watching him. "Many of you know me to be His Majesties' first-hand advisor and the former Lord Wallace of Norfolk. But, as of this day; I am no more. I have confessed and I beg God and His Gracious Majesty to not rebuke my family. I stand hither before you a man who—"he paused and looked at Charlotte "—who has committed a great sin against his wife and daughter who stand in the midst of you all. My only daughter, her youth should have been spent in happiness and not misery and for that I hope she may forgive my sin one day. And, for sinning against the holy anointed marriage of my wife; I hope she too will have compassion and forgive my soul so I may sleep eternally in peace. I take my leave of you all. And, I honour His Majesty to be the greatest King England as ever known; and you all to be the most loyal subjects to His Grace; and as God are my judge, he will decide my punishment or salvation."
As Rupert kneeled down to the scaffold, Charlotte felt the tears prick in her eyes. She began to breathe heavily, praying that God would spare his soul from an eternity in Hell. Charles walked up towards her and handed her a letter from the King. "Read it after the execution." He murmured, into her ear. He bowed to her and Lady Wallace. Moments later, Rupert Wallace could be seen trembling and weeping for mercy. He bent his head down and looked into the bucket of water to see his own face one last time. With two blows, his fat neck was torn from his body and the head dropped to the dirt. Blood spilled from his corpse and he was no more.
AN: I know it was short, but I thought it necessary to add his execution in. Tell me what you thought of it! I will update another chapter soon! Thank you for the reviews! I owe a thanks to: black'n'burgundy; Rose Buck; Fallenangel1104; QueenBee; and Leanora! Thank you all very much! And of course, everyone else.