T’was like fighting against the tide,
Inches away from suicide.
I was faltering and I was slipping,
The last thing I heard was my own blood dripping.

I shall not take it to my grave,
The secret inside that dark cave.
I will tell my love the truth,
The unsung dread of my youth.

I was afraid of being a burden to him
But now I realized the outcome will always be grim,
Whether I kept silent or speak my mind,
The suffering and shame shall not be left behind.

So I told him the truth under the rain
While the blood still flowed in my vein.

✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖

A Conversation Outside the Castle Walls

“Did you do what I asked?” the dark figure spoke in a low voice.

“Yes, sir. I have.” replied the other man who had on his cheek a four-leaf clover.

“I hear fear in your voice, good man. Tell me the truth.”

Silence.

“There was a maid who saw me enter the study room.”

“And you killed her and disposed of the body.”

“Yes, sir…”

“Do not falter, good man. You must grasp vengeance with a firm and steady hand.”

“I will keep that in mind, sir.”

“Once the princess is out of the castle, it will easily crumble and this wretched game will come to an end.”

“So we wait?”

“Yes, good man. We wait.”

Sykotica Notes: The wife made V-day cards for her kids and I thought this minimal one she drew was especially nice... so I made the stem stretchable. If you have a long chapter, it's going to be a very tall heart plant. I SHIFT+ENTER twice to bring CONTENTID2 down a few notches.