He is still here

Then again, he never leaves. He is with me at all times, singing me to sleep and waking me up in the mornings, reminding me that if I mess up, it may be the last thing I ever do. But I already know that. I have known that since I arrived here. The pertinacious thought perpetually living inside my head.

Nevertheless, I force the thought down and focus on the task at hand. The king is having a feast tonight to celebrate the conquering of another kingdom, and as a servant, it is my job to bring the food. I place the exquisite-looking dishes that the kitchen prepared onto the food tray, organizing it so it all fits and will be easy to take off when I deliver it. The cooks are very adept at their job, and the food smells wonderful, my stomach growls, reminding me of how hungry I am. I haven't eaten a real meal in days, receiving only scraps of food.

Finished placing the dishes on the tray, I make my way out of the kitchen and begin to walk down the uneven stone hallway. I pay special attention to the ground to avoid tripping on any uneven stones. The castle has been around for as long as anyone can remember, and the floor was in dire need of redoing.

I arrive at a tall wooden door and take a deep breath before pushing it open and stepping inside. I close the door behind me and head towards the long wooden dining table in the center of the ornate dining room. My eyes sweep over the chatting people sitting at it, all dressed in their best clothing. My eyes stop when they reach Princess Elet talking with the other guests, she is sitting next to her father, who is at the head of the table. She looks absolutely gorgeous in an elegant blue gown, long red hair pinned up in several places by shining sapphire pins.

Forgetting to watch my feet, my foot catches on an uneven stone, and I go crashing to the ground, the contents of my tray scattered out in front of me. I rush to stand up and try to pick up the fallen dinner, but I pause at the king’s commanding voice.

“Stop” I look up and meet the king's eyes, already knowing what is going to happen.

“Eneth, take care of her,” the king says as he turns back to the table, resuming his interrupted conversation.

“Father!” Princess Elet yells, standing up, “no, haven't you killed enough people? She tripped; it’s not worth killing her for it.”

“Elet, leave it alone. She is lucky even to be alive; we killed all the others.” The king replies with anger flashing in his eyes at his daughter's defiance. I know Elets attempts at saving my life are pointless, I wish she would quit talking to avoid her father’s wrath.

Elet opens her mouth to reply but thinks better of it and sits back down, looking at her plate in defeat.

It was final, I was going to die, but the king was right; I am lucky to have made it this far; I should have been killed in the invasion. At least I will be able to see my family again; I have missed them terribly. I think of my little brother and how he looked up at me in terror while the soldiers dragged him away. I wasn't able to protect him, and he died because of it; I am his older sister, I should have died, and I guess now I get to, I deserve this death.

Eneth stands up from his spot at the table and walks over to me, looking bored and annoyed that his dinner was disrupted. He pulls out his elaborate jewel-covered sword, the one I know he earned from becoming commander of the king's army. He lifts it, readying himself to strike.

I look up at him.

The sword comes down.

I feel pain as it sinks into my chest.

And then nothing