It was dawn when Nicholas got a chance to speak to his father. He was dismissed and locked in his room by Alexander’s orders. After the clock chimed nine times, he was requested to Alexander’s chamber.
“I imagine that you must have some questions to ask. So go ahead.” Alexander said as Nicholas sat down across from him.
“Why could you lock her away? She’s innocent!”
“I wouldn’t call a witch innocent, she had blinded your senses!”
“Lilyanna isn’t a witch! She’s innocent.” Nicholas repeated.
“Whether she’s innocent or not, she’s to be executed at noon.”
“What?” For a period of time that seemed like forever, but could have been only a second, Nicholas saw nothing but darkness and occasional shadowy figures lurking in the background of his mind. He felt like he was underwater, struggling to reach the top, but being held down by something. “Why?
“For witchcraft and seducing the prince.”
“She didn’t seduce…”
“See? She had you under a spell.” Alexander stated. “Also, as a punishment of not doing their duty of protecting the prince, Sir Thomas and Sir Scott are stripped from their title.”
“It was my…” But he was cut off by the sound of slammed door as Alexander left the room.
Alexander kept his words; Nicholas was locked within his room for the rest of the day. No matter how loud he complained or how hard his kicked and punched the door, it won’t open. He had tried the window, only to find it was guarded too. He sank down to his silk covered bed in distress and a broken heart.
Lilyanna was both confused and shocked when the guards took her out of the dark, humid cell. From the bits and pieces that she heard from their conversions, she was accused as a witch and was to be burn at stake. The idea frightened her to no end. Everything happened so quickly. Yesterday, she was in heaven and in less than a day; she was dropped to hell. As she was led to the platform in the heart of the city she was spat on, and kids threw rocks and rotten food at her, but it didn't matter to her anymore. What's the use of defending yourself when you're going to die?
She wondered what was Nicholas doing, feeling or thinking as she was pushed to the soft pile of dry grass and straws. Deep in her thoughts, she didn’t feel any pain when her hands were pulled back against the stake and tied tightly behind her back. She saw King Alexander and his queen sitting about thirty feet in front of her. Elizabeth held a look of pity on her face while eagerness showed on her husband’s.
“Lilyanna Bairect had been charged for heresy and treason. Therefore, she’s to be burned at the stake today.” The executioner announced as he dropped the lit torch on the straws.