The last sacrifice

 We did it. We won the war. It’s time to come back home.

“General, we gather all we can find.”-Kai, one of the soldier crouched beside me.

“Hmm? Is everything here?”

“Yes. General, is this why you told us to leave something on the box before me went to the warzone?”-he asked.

“Yes. Even if we can bring them home, at least we can give these to their family.”

“Let’s go home and celebrate our victory everyone.”

Everyone cheered up and was ready to go home. I looked at them with hope. This is the people who fight alongside me.

***

I walked towards my home casually and looked around. There was no sight of my family around. Maybe they’re inside the house. That’s when my family servant, Anna came running to me. She was sweating a lot, and she looked worried about something. To be precise, she looked like she was afraid of something.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“Young miss. Your family.”-she said trying to catch her breath.

“What’s wrong?”

“They were captured miss under the queen’s orders. Hurry!”-she said, her knees failed her and she fell on the ground.

“Get rest.”

I ran as fast as I can to the castle. I kicked the door and the sight make me burst in tears. My family were already executed. I fell on the ground. My youngest sister looked at me and smile. She was mumbling something to me.

“Please stop!”

I screamed but it fell to deaf ears. No one heard my plea. With one swing, my sister was executed in front of me. I lost strength. What happened? Why did the queen ordered my family to be executed? Did they do something? A minute later, someone rushed towards the queen. It was her younger sister, Princess Marie. The princess gaped when she saw the scene.

“Sister! What have you done?”-Princess Marie asked.

“I have to do it.”-the queen replied.

“They are innocent and I can prove it!”-Princess Marie replied.

I was shocked but too weak to say anything. I don’t even know if I’m still crying. It feels like I’m floating. I can still hear everyone’s voices but it feels like they are so far away from me. I know Princess Marie is currently showing all the evidence to the queen, showing my family wasn’t really guilty. She was too late. My father. My mother. My sisters. They have passed away. I can hear Princess Marie called my name a few times as I feel my world gets darker and darker.

***

I opened my eyes slowly and looked around. The royal physician told me that I fainted and was in a coma state for two days straight. He asked me if I’m still feeling anxious. I stood up and told him not to worry about me. I gathered up my armor and weapon and start equipping them. That’s when a royal guard came inside and told me that the queen has summoned me to the palace. I nodded my head and followed them from behind. The journey feels like ages. I can’t face the queen after what she have done to my family. I kneeled in front of the queen as soon as I arrived.

“Well, what happened to your family was merely a misunderstanding. Hopefully you can understand. I misjudge something and it lead to that.”-the queen said with cold eyes.

So you’re saying you executed my family because you misjudge something and you’re telling me to understand and move on?

“Yes, your highness.”

“Good, now dismiss.”-she said.

***

I walked slowly to my home. I called Hans, the one who was assigned my father to guard my house.

“Yes, what can I help young miss?”-he asked.

“Can you gather everyone at the garden? I have something to announce.”

He nodded his head and immediately walked away. I walked to the garden and saw all the flowers that mother planted. She tried so hard to maintain the beauty of the flowers. These flowers are like my daughters she said.

“Miss, everyone’s here.”-Hans said.

I turned around and looked at the servants. I took a deep breath.

“You are free to go. From now on, you are no longer a servant of this estate so live your life just how you always wanted.”

They were hesitating and keep on looking at each other. I nodded my head to convince them that I wasn’t tricking anyone here. After some time, they started to leave the garden one by one leaving me alone with Hans and Anna.

“Miss, are you sure about this?”-Anna asked.

“Yes, and you two as well. You’re free now.”

“But miss…”-Hans replied.

“Don’t worry about me and go. Live your life.”

Thank you miss. We will always remember you!”-they both said and leave with tears.

I sighed and started walking towards my house. I opened the door and remembered how my father used to greet me.

“Welcome home, general!”-he said and raised his arm in a triumphant salute.

Tears started to drop on my cheeks. I tried hard not to cry but I can’t. I walked forward and looked at mother’s rocking chair. I gasped for air.

“Oh welcome home dear. Great job, I am so proud of you.”-she used to say.

Her figures started to fade.

“No mother, don’t go.”

“Don’t leave me.”

I looked at the main living room. My three younger sisters were playing a board game, they stopped and ran towards me.

“You’re home.”-said the second child.

“I help mother unlike the others.”-the third child said with pride.

“She lied.”-said the youngest pearl of the family.

“You’re all my beautiful pearls, dearest sisters.”

“Sister, I missed you so much. You’re so busy now. We rarely spend time with each other but it’s okay. I am proud because you are a general of the royal army. One day, I too will contribute something for the queen.”-my youngest sister said.

I fell on the floor and wailed.

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I failed to protect everyone. I’m useless. I will make sure your death will be avenged tonight.”

***

I watched as the queen sleep peacefully. Thanks to me being the General, I can easily enter the queen’s royal chamber.

“Your highness.”

She opened her eyes slowly.

“What are you doing here General?”-she asked.

“Your highness. I have a question for you.”

“Why did you execute my family even with the lack of evidence?”

“That is none of your concern, General. Guard!”-she screamed and I heard footsteps coming.

“It’s hard to admit that you make a mistake eh.”

I smirked when I saw her horrified expression. The guard arrived and was ready to captured me but I was faster. I swing my sword and sliced her neck. The guards were too shocked to move.

“That’s for killing my family.”

I closed my eyes and stabbed my chest with the same sword. The sword that I use to assassinated the evil queen. I heard the princess came running towards me and she managed to pulled me into her embrace as I fell on the floor.

“No! General. Please, this country need your service.”-she said with tears.

She cried for her people. Oh she will be a fine queen in the future.

“I…can’t even…protect my…own family.”

It was already hard for me to talk with my current state.

“Please…rule wisely.”

My eyes feel heavy. This is a goodbye then. A goodbye to this cruel world.