Death of a Queen

Make us sad in 300 words or less

Death of a Queen

          “I’m sorry, Your Highness.” The court healer turned to Atr’eya and shook his head. “I’m afraid she’s not going to last much longer.” The healer stepped away from the bed, allowing Atr’eya to approach.

          For six months Ari’ana had been wasting away in this bed. None of the healers knew what was wrong with her or how to fix it; they only knew that she was dying.

          Atr’eya sat in his customary chair and gathered up one of Ari’ana’s thin hands. Her skin had grown gaunt and stretched tight across her bones, making her look like a skeleton. Atr’eya bowed his head over their clasped hands, fighting back the tears. Knowing this day would come didn’t make it any easier to accept.

          “Atr’eya?” Her breath rasped in and out in a wheezing cough. Her unfocused eyes gazed up at the ceiling.

          “Yes? I’m here, darling.”

          “I think this is it,” she whispered. For a brief moment her fingers tightened on his, but she couldn’t keep up the pressure. Her grip slackened.

          “Please don’t leave me, Ari’ana,” he cried in a broken voice. He had told himself to be strong in this moment, but faced with her imminent death, his soul wept with pain. “I can’t live without you.”

          Her eyes closed in a slow blink. “You must. You have to be strong. Our people need you.” She blinked again, her breathing growing more labored. Her brow creased in pain. “I’m sorry I could never give you an heir to the throne.”

          “Don’t worry about that now.” He caressed her hand, hoping to give her comfort in her final moments.

          Her gaze fixed on his as she drew in another rattling breath. She never exhaled.

          Gathering her spent body to him, Atr’eya’s tears started. He knew he could never love another.

Word Count: 300