- 6 hours ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:02The day after my sister starved to death, my father sold my mother for money.
00:14Run. Find somewhere else.
00:18Will mother come back?
00:23Useless brat. Get out of my way.
00:26Want to see her? Tomorrow you'll join her.
00:30That night, I slipped out to the farm.
00:36Inside, my mother was chained beside the animals.
00:49Run. Get out of here. Anywhere. Just don't come back.
00:56How... how can I save you?
00:59Grow up. Get strong. Get money.
01:03Then, you can come back for me.
01:06The capital. Go there. That's your only chance.
01:11I thought I'd made it. But I was wrong.
01:18My mother told me to go to the capital.
01:20But what I didn't know was that in that city, the cheapest thing of all was the life of someone
01:27like me.
01:35They sent me to the royal laundry.
01:37A place for smoke, soap, blood, and broken hands.
01:43A scrap of dark bread.
01:45A bowl of thin soup.
01:47And a few copper coins each month.
01:49To me, that was already a blessing.
01:52In winter, the freezing water burned my skin.
01:55My fingers split open.
01:56Blood mixed with the wash water.
01:59But I kept going.
02:01Saving every coin.
02:02So I could one day bring my mother back.
02:06I told Morell.
02:08The girl I shared a room with.
02:12Stupid.
02:13People who get sold off don't last long out there.
02:16You think she's still alive?
02:22Maybe your mother's already dead.
02:25Shut up!
02:26Watch your mouth!
02:28I've got connections in the supply quarters.
02:30I'll be working in the upper household soon.
02:32You?
02:33You crawled out of the dirt and you think you belong here?
02:36After that, I became the lowest in the laundry.
02:39The dirtiest work always fell on me.
02:46Ah!
02:48Your mother was livestock.
02:50And you?
02:52Just another filthy mutt she spit out.
02:54There were times I thought I wouldn't survive.
02:57But I lived.
02:58An older maid pulled me aside one day.
03:01Around here, a dead servant means nothing.
03:06You're still alive.
03:10Because you're useful.
03:12I didn't understand her at the time.
03:15Until one day.
03:16A noble woman's dress was ruined.
03:19Who did this?
03:21In that moment, I finally understood.
03:24My life didn't belong to me.
03:30At first, I could hear people counting.
03:33Then the sound faded.
03:34Everything blurred.
03:36Only the dull, numbing pain sinking deep into my bones.
03:40When it ended, I couldn't feel anything anymore.
03:42Two girls hauled me inside.
03:44Dumped me onto my bed.
03:45Night fell.
03:46A soft laugh drifted from the corner.
03:49That dress?
03:50I tore it.
03:51The head laundress needed someone to blame.
03:54And I needed a way out.
03:55Looks like I got it.
03:57Tomorrow, I'm getting moved up.
03:59Upper servant.
04:00And you?
04:02You won't last the winter.
04:05The fever hit me the next morning.
04:07I was shaking so hard my teeth wouldn't stop chattering.
04:10By nightfall, I couldn't stand.
04:12I forced myself up.
04:13I wasn't ready to die yet.
04:15My hand reached under the bed.
04:16Pulled out a worn cloth pouch.
04:18Ten silver coins.
04:19That was all I had.
04:32I don't want to die.
04:44Live or die.
04:46That's on you.
04:52I lived.
04:53The fever came and went for days.
04:56I grew thinner and weaker.
04:58But I was still standing.
05:03A week later, Edelra sent for me.
05:16She looked me over slowly.
05:18You're tougher than I thought.
05:22Not bad either.
05:24The palace rotates servers every month.
05:27Every noble household sends in requests.
05:30We decide who goes where.
05:33Where you're sent decides whether you live or die.
05:38Do I even stand a chance?
05:39The fact you're still standing here is your chance.
05:44There's another selection coming up early next month.
05:48Whether anyone picks you, that's up to you.
05:54After that, I stopped talking back or resisting.
05:59I memorized noble crests stitched into collars and cuffs.
06:05A month later, selection day came.
06:21The heavy iron gates groaned behind us.
06:24The heavy iron gates groaned behind us.
06:25They took us deeper into the palace.
06:29Morel stood not far away.
06:32She had swapped her rags for a maid's uniform.
06:39Selection began.
06:40One by one, girls were inspected and dragged away.
06:43Who put her through?
06:46But then, a heavy silence fell over the yard.
06:49A woman swept into the courtyard, flanked by a swarm of attendants.
06:53She walked slowly, scanning the line of newly arrived girls.
06:57Who is this one?
06:59From the laundry, my lady.
07:00Ellison, no family name.
07:03The laundry?
07:07Lift your head.
07:11My lady, this girl is clumsy.
07:14A thief.
07:15She might offend you.
07:17Isalinda ignored her.
07:18Can you speak?
07:19Whether I can speak doesn't matter much, my lady.
07:23I know when to listen.
07:24A clever mouth, after all.
07:27Send her to the Rose Court.
07:29Severine, you do have a careful eye.
07:32Every girl you picked, so unremarkable.
07:34What is it?
07:35Afraid they might end up in the king's bed?
07:39I have no use for these two.
07:41Consider them a gift.
07:44Obey or die.
07:47You are too generous.
07:49Thank you, my lady.
07:51Here, a maid sent from another court was never a gift.
07:54It was a blade.
07:56And Severine was looking dead at me.
07:58Her lips curled into a soft, knowing smile.
08:01A cold shiver crawled straight down my spine.
08:08I was sent to Rose Court and given the worst jobs, scrubbing floors, stoking fires, hauling hot water for Lady
08:14Iceland.
08:14The rules, don't get close, don't stare, don't breathe loud.
08:17The first three months, I learned to survive.
08:20Whenever King Lothar came, I had to disappear.
08:22One mistake meant death.
08:23I never slipped up.
08:24But trouble still found me.
08:26Word spread, Lady Severine was pregnant.
08:28The king was thrilled.
08:29He moved her closer, gave her power, and stayed with her ten nights straight.
08:33Lady Iceland went to see him.
08:34The guards turned her away.
08:36She came back and smashed priceless porcelain against the walls.
08:39After that, no one slept easy.
08:41One day, Mireille cornered me.
08:42Lady Severine wants your honey almond cake.
08:44You should feel honored, cooking for her and her child.
08:47That's ten lifetimes of luck.
08:48Before I could answer, Cressida, Iceland's steward, stopped me.
08:52She slipped a paper packet into my sleeve.
08:54Our lady doesn't like what's growing in Severine.
08:56Take care of it, and you'll move to the inner court.
08:58Fail or betray us, you won't see sunrise.
09:01I stood there, gripping the powder.
09:02Both women were using me.
09:04I was just a knife in their fight, but I headed to the kitchen anyway.
09:07I had no choice.
09:11I followed Mireille into the inner chamber, the tray of fresh honey almond cake feeling
09:15heavy in my hands.
09:16Lady Severine lay lazily on a velvet chaise, her face pale.
09:19I stepped forward and knelt.
09:20My lady.
09:21She slowly opened her eyes, looked at the silver tray in my hands, and a slow, terrible smile
09:26spread across her face.
09:27Mireille tells me yours is the best.
09:29There must be something special in it.
09:31I'd like to taste it.
09:32My hands began to shake.
09:33Mireille gave me a hard shove.
09:35Hurry up.
09:35You idiot.
09:36That shove was exactly what I needed.
09:38I let my wrist go limp.
09:39Crash.
09:39The silver tray hit the floor hard.
09:41The cake scattering everywhere.
09:43Mireille lunged at me, her nails digging into my arm.
09:45Are you crazy?
09:46I dropped to my knees at once, pressing my face to the ground.
09:49Mercy, my lady.
09:50My hand slipped.
09:51Please punish me.
09:53Severine narrowed her eyes and waved her hand gracefully.
09:55It's all right, just some pastries.
09:57It seems today is not an auspicious day for tasting.
10:00You may go.
10:01I backed out of the room.
10:02My heart pounding.
10:03But the moment I stepped through the courtyard gate, heavy footsteps slammed against the
10:08stones.
10:09A pair of hands grabbed me from behind and threw me to the ground.
10:13A royal guard pressed his iron-clad me hard into my spine, and the captain grabbed my hair
10:16and yanked my head up.
10:17Treason.
10:18Poisoning the royal heir.
10:19Who sent you?
10:20Talk.
10:20The trap had never failed.
10:22It had only just closed.
10:27Mireille knelt in the courtyard, sobbing.
10:29Your majesty.
10:30She did it.
10:30The lady collapsed after eating those pastries.
10:33The physician confirmed poison.
10:34I pressed my forehead to the cold stone.
10:36Lady Iceland stepped forward.
10:38She's from my rose court.
10:39If she's guilty, she deserves to die.
10:41I won't protect a traitor.
10:43Then Severine's weak voice came from the shadows.
10:45Your majesty.
10:45If this poor girl has a grievance, let her speak.
10:48If there's a reason, I beg you, spare her.
10:51Spare her.
10:51Iceland snapped.
10:53A lowly servant.
10:54Enough.
10:54No one dared speak.
10:55Look up.
10:56I raised my head.
10:57King Lothar stood over me, sharp features, cold eyes.
11:00But when our eyes met, I saw a flash of recognition.
11:03His voice was low.
11:04Did you poison her?
11:05Who told you to?
11:06Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Iceland clenching her handkerchief.
11:09Lothar paused, then added quietly, if you've been wronged, speak up.
11:12He was giving me a way out.
11:14I reached into my apron pocket and pulled out a crushed piece of pastry.
11:17Your majesty.
11:18I poisoned nothing.
11:19This is proof.
11:20When the tray dropped, I hid a piece.
11:22I hate to waste food.
11:23Have the physician test it.
11:24Miri shrieked, ridiculous.
11:26She could have baked a clean one ahead of time.
11:28I pressed my forehead back, to the stone.
11:30All ingredients are recorded.
11:32This pastry is still warm.
11:33The butter fresh.
11:34I had no idea Lady Severine would ask, for my cakes today.
11:38I had no time to prepare.
11:40So this piece had to come from the, same batch.
11:43The courtyard fell silent.
11:44Everyone turned to the king.
11:49The royal physician hurried over.
11:50He crumbled the pastry, smelled it, touched it with his tongue, then bowed.
11:54Your majesty, this pastry is clean.
11:56Only flour and honey.
11:58I bit my lip and held back my tears.
12:00King Lothar's cold gaze swept the courtyard.
12:02Then this girl is innocent.
12:03His voice dropped.
12:04Find out who dared to poison my heir in my own palace.
12:07The guards drew their swords.
12:08Lothar turned to me.
12:10What's your name?
12:10I stared at his boots.
12:12Elsin, your majesty.
12:13Severine touched her belly.
12:15I nearly had this innocent girl killed.
12:17Let her stay in the main hall.
12:18Lothar smiled faintly.
12:20Fine.
12:20She's now in the north court.
12:21Awaiting my summons.
12:23Lothar looked at me longer this time, then gave a faint smile.
12:26Fine.
12:26From now on, Elsin belongs to the north court.
12:28She awaits my personal summons.
12:30Then he turned and strode away, his cloak flying behind him.
12:33The grip on my arm finally loosened.
12:35I pushed myself up from the dirt.
12:36Across the courtyard, Lady Severine was watching me.
12:39She smiled.
12:40A chill ran through my veins.
12:41She hadn't wanted me dead.
12:43This whole thing, from start to finish, had been her plan.
12:48A steward led me to the north court.
12:51The outer court was for servant business, but the inner hall was for those waiting on the
12:54king's orders.
12:55By afternoon, a maid slipped into my room.
12:58The poisoner had been found, Mireille.
13:00She was beaten to death on the cobblestones.
13:03Her uncle, a clerk in the quartermaster's office, was hanged too.
13:06I wasn't surprised.
13:08Someone had to be the scapegoat.
13:10But sitting alone in my silk-draped room, I realized Severine hadn't acted on a whim.
13:14She already knew about me.
13:15I slipped out and found Edra.
13:17Before I could speak, she gasped.
13:19Your face.
13:20You look just like her.
13:21The late Queen Alessandra.
13:23Everything made sense.
13:24No wonder King Lothar had frozen.
13:26No wonder Severine had pushed me into his sight.
13:29I ran back to the north court, heart pounding.
13:32Nightguards were at the door.
13:33Servants lit heavy iron torches.
13:35The king's valet stepped forward.
13:37Bathe, change.
13:38Send your hair.
13:39His majesty will come tonight.
13:41That night, Lothar stayed in the north court.
13:43At the peak, he pulled me tight.
13:45Alessandra, the late Queen.
13:47Before I could think, I answered, I'm here.
13:49He froze, looking down at me in the dim candlelight.
13:52For a moment, the terrifying king was gone.
13:55A broken boy remained.
13:56You came back to me, he rasped, voice cracking.
13:59I pulled him down.
14:00The next morning, a royal decree came.
14:03I was officially assigned to the main hall, given a private suite and 12 maids.
14:07The quartermaster was ordered to supply me like a court lady.
14:10Before the news spread, Rose Court struck back.
14:16Cressida kicked my door open and threw a heavy washbasin at my feet.
14:19The lady sends her regards.
14:20She sneered.
14:21You're only good for one thing.
14:23Serving people.
14:24Don't forget where you crawled from.
14:25A few nights in his bed don't make you a queen.
14:27To him, you're still a servant on your knees.
14:29She waited for me to cry.
14:31I just looked at the broken wood and said, thank you.
14:33And your lady.
14:34She slapped me hard.
14:35You ungrateful wretch.
14:37As long as my lady has power, you won't last here.
14:40Then she stormed out.
14:41A young maid crept out from a corner, shaking, and handed me a small jar.
14:44My lady, from the steward's office.
14:46It'll bring the swelling down.
14:48I took it but didn't open it.
14:49I looked in the mirror.
14:50Half my face was swollen and twisted.
14:52I set the jar down.
14:53King Lothar came at noon, looking relaxed.
14:56Then he saw my face.
14:57Who did this?
14:58I said nothing.
14:59Just let a tear fall.
15:00The king was furious.
15:01Within an hour, blood ran on the cobblestones.
15:04Cressida was beaten to death.
15:05Lady Iceland lost half her power.
15:07By nightfall, gifts arrived.
15:09Herbs, fabrics, tonics.
15:11A royal physician was ordered to check on me every other hour.
15:14From that day on, everyone knew, Elsin was the king's undisputed favorite.
15:20I thought Lady Iceland would come knocking first.
15:23But it was Severine.
15:24She sat in my parlor drinking tea and chatting.
15:26As she left, she grabbed my hand and said, we should visit more often.
15:30Within hours, rumors spread that the king's favorite was getting close to her.
15:33I went straight to Rose Court.
15:34The moment I stepped into Iceland's chamber, a crystal cup shattered at my feet.
15:38I bowed.
15:39You treacherous bitch.
15:40She screamed.
15:41How dare you show your face?
15:43Severine is playing us both.
15:44She wants you to think I've joined her, so you'll get rid of me for her.
15:47Iceland kicked me.
15:48I fell, coughing blood.
15:49I looked up.
15:50Those pastries were never poisoned.
15:52Severine faked it.
15:53She sent me to the king because my face looks like the late queens.
15:56She knew you'd come after me.
15:57She's waiting for us to destroy each other so she can have her child in peace.
16:01Iceland stopped, breathing hard.
16:03If you don't trust me, let me move back.
16:05I'll be your eyes.
16:06Your shield.
16:07What do you want?
16:08I bowed low.
16:09To live.
16:09Between someone who kills openly and someone who kills without a trace.
16:13I know whose side I'm on.
16:14She stared at me.
16:15Fine.
16:16I'll give you a chance.
16:17But if I see any betrayal, I'll kill you myself.
16:19I stayed kneeling.
16:20I had won the first step.
16:25That night, when the king came, I said, I want to move back to Rosecourt.
16:29He just nodded.
16:30By morning, everyone knew I had chosen Iceland's side.
16:32I was her dog again.
16:34Severine came to see me.
16:35I underestimated you.
16:36I lowered my head.
16:38You're too kind, my lady.
16:39I just want to live.
16:40I moved into Rosecourt's side yard.
16:42It worked.
16:43Every time the king visited me, he also stopped by Iceland.
16:46Their old flame was rekindled.
16:48Severine went quiet, but Iceland grew impatient.
16:50Oil on the stairs.
16:51Arsenic in the laundry water.
16:53Mint and rue in the pillows.
16:54Severine survived every time.
16:56The king was furious and ordered an investigation, but Iceland's servants were too terrified to talk, even under torture.
17:02As Severine's belly grew, Iceland played her boldest card.
17:05She bribed a young page to accidentally bump into Severine, but Severine seemed ready.
17:09The boy never got the chance.
17:11He bit off his own tongue and died before he could be questioned.
17:14That night, Iceland smashed every vase in her room.
17:16Then, deep in the night, a page slipped into my room.
17:19She wasn't from Rosecourt.
17:20She's Lady Severine's.
17:24The lady sent me to thank you.
17:26The girl said quietly.
17:27If it weren't for your warning, she and the air would be dead.
17:30No need, I said with a smile.
17:31I didn't do it out of kindness.
17:33It's a trade.
17:34I save her life.
17:35She saves mine.
17:36The girl nodded quickly.
17:37Just as she turned to leave, I stopped her.
17:39Wait.
17:40I stepped closer and lowered my voice.
17:42Ask her something for me.
17:43Does she want Lady Iceland?
17:45Gone for good.
17:46The next day, the reply came.
17:47Lady Severine met me in the garden.
17:49What's your plan?
17:50I looked at her belly.
17:51Lady Iceland has lands, knights, and a family name.
17:54Small mistakes won't touch her.
17:56The king won't move against her for petty things.
17:58I took a step closer.
18:00There's only one crime that would make him act.
18:02Harming the air.
18:02She's not careless.
18:04I went on.
18:04Cruel.
18:05Yes.
18:05But she covers her tracks.
18:07You won't catch her with evidence.
18:08And when she finally has her back against the wall, she won't just come after the child.
18:12She'll come after you, and she won't miss again.
18:15I didn't stay for her answer.
18:16I knew she was already thinking.
18:18The moment she said a yes, in her heart, Lady Iceland was already a dead woman.
18:25Two weeks later, Lady Severine lost her child.
18:28And the one who pushed her, was Lady Iceland.
18:30The king had stayed the night at Iceland's chambers.
18:33Just past midnight, a servant came to report.
18:35Lady Severine, something has happened.
18:37The king left immediately.
18:38Early the next morning, Iceland cornered Severine in the hallway.
18:41At first, it was just words.
18:43But then, every word out of Severine's mouth was like a poison knife.
18:47Aimed straight at Iceland's deepest wounds.
18:49Especially the final blow.
18:50You will never carry royal blood.
18:52Iceland raised her hand and shoved her heart.
18:54Severine fell down the cold stone steps.
18:56Beneath her expensive silk gown, blood spread instantly across the ground.
19:00Severine clutched the small, lifeless body of her child.
19:03Threw herself forward.
19:04And collapsed at the king's boots.
19:06Wailing for justice.
19:07Your majesty.
19:08I beg you.
19:09Give him justice.
19:10This time, there was no chance of pardon.
19:12Lady Iceland was locked away in the desolate north tower.
19:15At the same time, the king officially moved Lady Severine.
19:18Into the luxurious suites of the main hall.
19:20She was also given the keys to the royal household.
19:22Taking over the power that Iceland had once held.
19:25When I heard the news.
19:26I stood in the darkness for a long time.
19:28The death of that unborn child.
19:30I had a hand in it.
19:30But I felt no regret.
19:32In this cold-blooded castle.
19:33If he hadn't died.
19:34It would have been me lying in a pool of blood today.
19:39After Lady Iceland was locked in the north tower.
19:42The court fell into an eerie silence.
19:43Everything was under Severine's control.
19:45I kept my head down and continued shaping myself in the late queen's image.
19:49I drank chamomile tea.
19:50Filled my room with white lilies.
19:52Or cornflower blue silk.
19:53And had fresh honey almond cake every day.
19:55King Lothar began to favor me more and more.
19:57He spent more time in my chambers and granted me more privileges.
20:00Though I had no title.
20:01I already enjoyed what many noble ladies could only dream of.
20:04Soon.
20:04I became pregnant.
20:06Severine came with the royal physician.
20:07Smiling as if she were the one carrying the king's child.
20:10In front of him.
20:11She swore.
20:11I will take special care of El-Sin.
20:13And make sure she gives you a healthy air.
20:15She was not the caring type.
20:16That meant she was after something bigger.
20:18Only when I was 8 months pregnant did I understand.
20:21She didn't want to kill my child.
20:22She wanted me to give birth first.
20:24Then kill me.
20:25That way.
20:25She could take the child for herself without suspicion.
20:28And childbirth was the perfect time to make it look natural.
20:30I finally knew what I had to do.
20:35The day I went into labor.
20:36The king rushed over right away.
20:38Lady Severine was there too.
20:39Both of them waited outside.
20:41The delivery room was chaos.
20:42A physician barked orders from the side.
20:44A midwife leaned over me.
20:46Trying to guide the baby into position.
20:47The pain tore through me.
20:49I was drenched in sweat.
20:50But my mind was razor sharp.
20:51The man standing in front of me wasn't the physician who had been looking after me during my pregnancy.
20:56And the midwife pressing on my belly.
20:58Her hands were shaking badly.
20:59Suddenly, I screamed toward the door.
21:01Your majesty.
21:02It hurts so much.
21:03Please.
21:04I want to see you.
21:05The king answered at once.
21:06Don't be afraid.
21:07Elsin.
21:08I'm right here.
21:09Soon after, the physician came over to me with a bowl of medicine.
21:12This will help with the labor.
21:13Drink it.
21:14The smell was sharp.
21:15Wrong.
21:16Slowly, I reached under the pillow and gripped the dagger I had hidden there long ago.
21:19As the physician and midwife leaned in close.
21:21I let out a scream.
21:23Your majesty.
21:24Help.
21:24Someone is trying to kill me.
21:26And the child.
21:27Their faces changed instantly.
21:29They lunged at me.
21:30Trying to cover my mouth.
21:31But I was faster.
21:32I raised the dagger high.
21:33And drove it hard into my own side.
21:38The king kicked the door open.
21:40Everyone inside froze.
21:41I lay in a spreading pool of blood.
21:43The dagger still in my side.
21:44The physician and midwife were leaning over me.
21:46Their hand soaked in my blood.
21:47The king's fury exploded.
21:49He ordered the guards to drag them away.
21:51They fell to their knees.
21:52Crying.
21:53Mercy.
21:53She stabbed herself.
21:54The king pulled me into his arms.
21:56Trembling with rage I'd never seen in him.
21:58Fighting the pain.
21:59I looked toward the door.
22:00Lady Severine stood there.
22:01Her face drained of color.
22:03I looked up at the king.
22:04Tears rolling down my cheeks.
22:05Your majesty.
22:06Am I going to leave you again?
22:08His eyes reddened.
22:09He held me tight.
22:10His voice hoarse.
22:11Don't say that.
22:12I won't allow it.
22:13You cannot leave me.
22:14I reached up.
22:15My trembling fingers brushing his cheek.
22:16And forced a weak smile.
22:18My life isn't worth saving.
22:19Please.
22:20Let our child live.
22:21If I'm gone.
22:22At least the baby can stay by your side.
22:23And if my existence has caused too much strife.
22:26I beg you.
22:27Show mercy to those caught in this.
22:28I slowly closed my eyes.
22:30Letting the chaos swallow everything.
22:34What followed did not disappoint.
22:36The bowl of medicine became the key piece of evidence.
22:39Under brutal interrogation.
22:40The physician and midwife quickly confessed everything.
22:43Lady Severine had ordered them to kill me during childbirth.
22:45The medicine had been laced with something that would cause severe bleeding.
22:48Following that thread.
22:49The king uncovered more old crimes.
22:51How she had framed Lady Isolant.
22:53How she had orchestrated her own miscarriage to win favor.
22:56How she had eliminated everyone who stood in her way.
22:58One by one.
22:59In the end.
23:00Lady Severine was also sent to that abandoned north tower.
23:02All those involved.
23:03Without exception.
23:04Were executed.
23:05As for me.
23:06Because I had given the king a healthy son.
23:08And had clawed my own way back from the brink of death.
23:10I became the undisputed mistress of the main hall.
23:13The king placed the keys to the inner court in my hands.
23:15My son was officially named heir.
23:17Three months later.
23:18When I had fully recovered.
23:20The first thing I did was go to the north tower to have a look.
23:25Lady Severine sat in the tower room.
23:27Thin as a skeleton.
23:28When she saw me.
23:29A flicker of life returned to her eyes.
23:31You really have skill.
23:32She said.
23:33Ruthless enough to turn the knife on yourself.
23:35If I hadn't made that wrong move back then.
23:37I never would have lost to you.
23:38I shook my head slowly.
23:39You didn't just make one wrong step.
23:41You never saw me as a person.
23:42You treated me like something to toss into the king's bed.
23:45Push around.
23:46And throw away.
23:47All I ever wanted was a piece of bread.
23:49A bowl of hot soup.
23:50Just enough to survive.
23:51You pushed me here.
23:52So what you're facing now.
23:53You brought on yourself.
23:54I gestured toward the door.
23:56Two servants entered with a silver tray bearing a rope.
23:58And a small bottle of poison.
23:59Choose.
24:00Her face changed.
24:01She shrank back.
24:02You dare kill me.
24:03I still have your father and brother.
24:05If I die.
24:06They die too.
24:07I smiled.
24:08If they die.
24:08I'd have to thank you.
24:09She stared at me.
24:10Then broke down.
24:11You're nothing but a ghost.
24:12A cheap substitute for a dead queen.
24:14The king never loved you.
24:16I laughed softly.
24:17I don't care.
24:18At the door.
24:18I told the guards.
24:20Do it.
24:20Behind me.
24:21Her terrified screams echoed through the cold air.
24:23I walked out of the north tower.
24:24Step by step.
24:25I looked up at the pale gray sky and slowly exhaled.
24:28From that moment on.
24:29No one would ever decide my fate again.
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