It was late.

I was tucked in by my nanny, who was going to leave in two years, but I simply stood back up and was observing the room.

I kept expecting to wake up, as if this was some sort of strange dream.

Maybe I had dreamt up the whole execution.

Or maybe I had dreamt the past eleven years?

It was uncanny. Seeing my own small body in the mirror made me remember how unruly I was.

Loud, rowdy, and quick to make a mess.

The child from your nightmares, spoiled to the moon and back.

I stepped to the window.

The moon was full and round, and thousands of stars adorned the night sky.

Was this really how it was going to go?

Would I be forced to live my life again, knowing that it would most likely be ended again by a prince with no moral code and bad hair?

Was I going to have to live this miserable existence, only to have it stripped away from me again?

Was it even worth trying to live again?

I had nothing good awaiting me down the line.

And what then?

What if I died again?

Would I have to do it again?

I opened the window and stood on the windowsill.

I was crying again.

Was I even myself?

Was I not just some random hallucination, caused by having my head chopped of mere moments ago?

A strong gust of wind hit me.

I stumbled.

But, I held onto the window frame.

I was given a new chance.

Maybe for a reason.

Maybe not.

I would never know that possible reason.

But all I could do now was try and live my life, and not take the first opportunity to end it again.

I stepped back into my room and closed the window.

"I won't bow my head to fate. No matter what."
I looked back to the moon.

I had one more shot. I wasn't going to waste it.

There was one person out there who didn't want me to die.

If I was going to continue living, it was going to be for her.

"I shall find a way to bring her happiness, despite everything. It's the least I can do."

I proceeded to collapse on the bed.

                                ---------------

"-Your grace!"

I flinched.

I looked up at my nanny.

"Apologies. I was lost in thought. Would you repeat what you said?"

She seemed impressed at my manner of speech.
"I wanted to ask if you wanted to eat the cake now or later for teatime?"

"Teatime, please. I'm not in the mood for sweets right now."

I looked at the empty seats of my parents.

Back then I used to resent them for being absent so often.

But now I knew what was going on.

"Oh, and Martha? Please invite my mother to join me for teatime in the garden. I'd like to chat with her."
I stood up and walked away.

While closing the door, I could hear her whisper to one of the maids.

"I'm worried about the young lady. Maybe her grandfather's death-"

I closed the door before I could hear the rest.