I gripped then collar of my shirt as we stepped out onto the platform. I knew what was going to happen. Sabrina had trusted me with her full plan, and although it was smart, I hated that I knew. She was going to reveal my fathers secrets to a crowd of people who adored him.

I looked over to see my father at ease and anger burned inside of me. ‘Good.’ I thought. ‘ let his last moments be spent in pleasure and power.’ When I looked up I saw her. She was standing confidently a few villagers back from the front. Her silky black hair was braided bown her back and her emerald eyes bore into mine. They were secretly telling me to not be afraid, but how could I be calm like her? I wasn’t a rebel, or a scorcher liked her. And what if it failed and the people didn’t trust her words? I could lose her.

“Good Marrow my lovely friends !” My father shouted. “Bring me your troubles and I will see what I can do for you.”

His booming voice was drowned out with the cheers of the people. My skin crawled as he promised a young woman he would help her baby. I knew he wouldn’t. He would most likely throw it in a river after telling her he was taking it to the royal physician. Another girl came up asking why he hadn’t held a funeral for their beloved queen. This question shocked me. She wasn’t Sabrina, yet when she moved her hair she bore the rebel mark. One my father had yet to figure out.

“Her last wish to me was to not make a celebration out of her death but only to allow her closest family and friends to morn her publicly.” He said coolly.

Lies. He watched my mother die at his hands. And did nothing. Then it was Sabrina’s turn, and the girl who had just asked the king about his wife’s death stood beside her. They looked so similar standing next to each other I was sure that if they didn’t have different colored hair, they could be twins.

“Your majesty.” Sabrina bowed, never breaking eye contact with the king. A newfound awe for her ran through my blood as she stood straight. “I am here to request more food for the poorer villagers living in the cast.”

Everyone gasped. I smiled. “Good job.” I mouthed to her and her smile grew.

“Why would you ask me such a thing?” He said apaulled.

He shouldn’t have done that.

“Because I have a right to ask for your help for my people, or will you dismiss them the same way you dismissed your wife’s death?” Sabrina said, her words full of ice and anger.

“HOW DARE YOU?!” He stood up and I put a hand on his shoulder and shook my head.

“How dare you sir!” She yelled back and her sister put a hand on hers to calm her. It didn’t work. “You killed the Queen and then negelect the people she fought so hard for!”

“SILENCE!” He yelled and she jumped, I instinctively put myself between my father and the girl.

“Father. Please.” I whispered in a calming way.

“Leave.” He whispered to Sabrina.

She turned to go, but stoped. When she turned back her bright blue eyes bore into mine.

“One more thing.” My father gripped his throne so tight his knuckles lost their color. “They may be blinded by loyalty and lies. But I know your secret.”

“Oh do you girl?” My father sneered. He just awoke a beast.

“Your crown is made of the people’s bones and hunger.”

Then she was gone.