"Good morning."
Katlin and Riker both startled awake. Katlin pushed herself upright, blushing. The prince stood before them, already decked in his ceremonial furs, heavy with jewels, wearing a crown. Katlin wiped a smudge of drool from her mouth.
"The ceremony starts now," the prince said, and he snapped his fingers for a guard.
"Wait a moment," Riker said, gripping Katlin's forearm. "We need to talk about this."
"Too late." The prince nodded and a guard wrenched Katlin to her feet. Katlin stumbled and yelped as she was dragged away. Riker stood and found himself confronted by an armed guard.
"Now wait just a damn-"
The prince half turned. "Not to worry." He said. "This is the final ceremony."
Katlin didn't like the way she was hustled along. She found herself surrounded by handmaidens again, and felt the all too familiar feeling of being stuffed into a stiff ballgown. She cried out in protest as they tugged her hair back, jamming a silver crown over her ears.
"Done? Good." The prince grabbed her by the wrist. "Come with me." He shoved her through a narrow white door, which opened on to a set of stairs. He pushed her from behind and Katlin began to climb. "I really should thank you, you know," the prince said. His voice was low and cold, and Katlin shivered slightly, stumbling up the steps. "You've made this easier for me."
"What are you talking about?" Katlin asked.
"I'm going to be King." The staircase ended, and they stepped out on to a balcony, high above the ground. Beneath them, a crowd of thousands erupted into cheers.
The balcony was bare, except for one long white marble table. Two golden goblets were placed on the table. The prince handed her one. "Drink."
Katlin hesitated.
"Drink!"
She tipped the goblet back and took a gulp. The prince did the same. She handed him the empty goblet, and he placed them off to the side. Katlin licked her lips and swallowed, trying to rid herself of the leaden, cloying taste of the drink. Her lips felt numb. She tried to say something but the words came out soft and slurred.
"Now," the prince said, closing one hand around her neck. "Try not to scream." He shoved, and Katlin felt the back of her knees hit the marble table. She fell backwards, clawing at the hand at her throat. The prince unsheathed a knife from his belt. The crowd screamed in murderous delight as he plunged the dagger into her heart.