“I could dig a tunnel.”
Tina angled her head. “Don’t be silly. You can’t dig a tunnel in a day.”
“Then I’ll climb the wall.”
“They have cameras and border drones. Even if you got over there, they would demand you were returned and it could start a war. Not to mention that you’re four months pregnant and could lose the baby if you fall down. How would you even get over that wall? It’s at least twelve meters high.”
Fat tears were rolling down my cheeks as I stood powerless, hoping for a bottle to come across that wall.
“I love him.” My words were low and weak.
Tina rubbed my back. “I know, sweetie, but it doesn’t seem that he loves you back.”
CHAPTER 33
Head on a Spear
Tyton
We were like caged lions clawing the walls to get out of our imprisonment.
Even my father, who was known to have a calm personality, was losing his shit and had to be stopped when he banged his head against the wall in frustration.
“We’re not helping anyone by hurting ourselves.” My eyes fell on Lucas, whose knuckles were hurt from when he hit the door two days ago.
“Our women are out there, unprotected! If anything happens to Claire…” Lucas’ jaw tightened.
The somber atmosphere permeated the cell we were in, and the fact that it was smaller than my bathroom with only three thin and dirty mattresses for six people meant that we were all sleep deprived, sore, hungry, and worried out of our minds.
We didn’t talk much except for the initial declarations that we would kill King Jeremiah and anyone who supported him as soon as we had a chance to.
Unfortunately, our time was running out fast as we were starving and losing strength by the hour. Eleven days with a minimum of food had left us dizzy and weakened. On the evening of the second day, we were brought water, but when the guard laughed and told us that he suspected the king had poisoned it, none of us wanted to touch it at first. My dad declared that we needed to drink and as the oldest he would go first. When he didn’t develop any symptoms of poisoning, we greedily shared the jug of water.
The almost two weeks in that room had felt like years and we’d all lost weight. On the morning of New Year’s Eve, the captain returned and opened the small square in the door.
“We need food and water. We’re starving,” Henry complained.
“Aww, are you hungry?” The captain’s tone was mocking. “Then I have good news for you.”
“You brought us food?” My dad moved closer to the door.
“No, but your hunger is about to end.” There was something sinister in the captain’s tone that made Frederick and me exchange a worried glance.
“King Jeremiah has invited his favorite subjects to witness his New Year’s Speech, which will be broadcasted to the people. Your public execution will be a treat to the viewers and a highlight of the year. Everyone is excited to see six traitors get what they deserve.”
I stepped forward, repeating what I’d already said several times. “Iwas the one who poisoned the king’s beer. The others had nothing to do with it.”
The captain shrugged. “The king sees it differently, but don’t you men worry. Your wives will be taken care of. In fact, we’ll have five weddings at midnight and I’m happy to announce that I’ve been rewarded by the king and will be married myself.”
“The hell you will!” We all stormed the door, sneering and growling.
The captain stepped back and gave a cocky laugh. “Come on, don’t ruin my wedding day by being difficult. I’m sure your wives will mourn you a little but we’ll make sure to keep them busy, if you know what I mean.”
“Don’t you fucking touch them!” Emmerson sneered and hammered his fist against the door.
“Oh, I assure you, we’lltouchthem. The king has first choice and he’s meeting up with the women right now to get a better look at them. I’m hoping he leaves Claire for me. Unlike you, Lucas, I would have her with child within a month.”
“I’ll kill you!” Lucas spat through the small opening in the door and the captain looked down at the saliva that had landed on his foot.
