Chapter 1

I woke up as if it was an emergency, as if sleeping had become a dangerous thing. My heart beat fast and there was a buzzing in my brain as well as panic. My palm and body were covered by sweat.

I stretched my head and looked up to the cell window which guarded by thick metal bars as if to prevent me from escaping.

The sun still had not rise. It looked like I woke up too early. I sighed.

Habits are truly the scariest thing. I still could not let go my habit even when I was not the empress anymore. When I was still the empress, I need to wake up early to get the business done.

If it was this time, I usually had breakfast together with my daughter. Breakfast with her had already became my routine. How I miss the moment when we were together, my dear.

I began to burst into tears. Sadly, she's gone, leaving this world unfairly. My family too.

Remembering back what happened last night left me completely devastated. The scenes where the dead bodies lying on my palace chamber with the heavy reek of blood stench polluting the night air made my body quivered at the horror sight.

"Karina, Rexiald! How could you both do this to me!"

Shouting won't solve the problem and it will only hurt my throat.

If only I could turn back time to the past. If only I could restart everything. If only I had not reach Rexiald's hands in marriage, then everything will be fine. I'll be at peace and spending a lot time with my family.

So I sit up straight and folded my hands. I prayed to god earnestly.

One, I prayed to God for my family's well-being in heaven, to ensure they live well. Not like in this cruel world. Two, how I wish I could turn back time to undo my choices in the past.

I know it was a silly prayer as I was in the brink of death waiting upon my execution. I also know that I could not escape my fate. Regardless, I prayed to my heart content.

How laughable, I thought. In the past, I had not been so religious. Maybe, this was my last chance before I died.

If only I had not meet with Karina. If only I had not reached Rexiald's hands on the marriage. And if only I could see my family for the last time. Really, I had so many regrets.

My family suffered heavily due to my reckless choices that harmed them all. I deserved it, maybe it was karma given by God.

I curled up into a ball and cried silently pondering over my fate.

To be honest, I was afraid of death. It was. But not anymore. What I afraid right now was to die before I get my exact revenge! How could I forgive them!

***

The guards who carried me to the execution stage did not even care if my skin bled because of their rough touch. My body was so weak that I fell several times. Instead of helping me, one of them grabbed me by my hair to make me stand up. He pushed me until we arrived to the stage.

It was hurt. I gritted my lips as to not make any sound. Else, they will accused me of wanting sympathy.

As we reached to the platform, I could see many eyes were all on me. Their eyes were full with disgust and hatred.

Most of the people threw rotten eggs and vegetables on me and these dirty things became a foul paste on my fragile body. Unlike the commoners, the nobles, however, threw me sharp objects making me groaned in pain.

It was hurt. But not as hurt as being betrayed by the people you trusted the most.

The entire area was lively. Some had sympathy for me, some were mocking me openly for daring enough to harm the imperial family.

"Kill the evil witch!"

"Execute her!"

"Make her feel the pain!"

"Torture her!"

These people, if I was still the empress, had they treat me like this?

I knelt on the execution platform and the executioner stood beside me. The executioner asked,

"Do you have any last words?"

I nodded.

The entire area immediately went dead silence. Maybe they wanted to hear my last words before I died.

In front of me was Karina who held Rexiald by both of her hands while Rexiald covered her eyes from seeing the bloody scene. Normal people would pity them from having to see the execution.

However, in my eyes, they were laughing mockingly at me. 

The left side of his lip tugged upwards creating a sinister smirk from his face like he was satisfied seeing my current state.

I gulped. This was my only chance!

Haaa... I gasped for breath and speak loudly and clear.

"Rex, Karina! I won't forgive all of you! If I were to get a second chance, I'll make you both pay for your sins! I'll make you live like in hell for the rest of life! Even if I am dead, I'll continue to haunt you in your nightmares! Your blood shall be paid for your sins!"

The audience who listened  to my last words gone rage. To them it looked like I still had not learned my lesson. **** all of them!

I smirked triumphantly at the people in front. Karina and Rexiald's faces turned ugly. Their eyes were narrowed, rigid, cold and hard.

I drew in a deep breath, the burning hard stares would last only as long as it took them of the most brutally cutting thing they could tear me down with. In the past I would cowering on fear but not anymore.

I cast a stare on Rexiald blatantly. Oh, looked like I had crossed some invisible line, offended his sensibilities. I always knew he hated the one who did not know their place and directly disrespect him face to face.

I had never thought of myself that I would feel this excitement. What a shame I could no longer enjoyed it.

I raised up my head as the rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. Golden fingers of sunlight lit up the scene.

'O God, You know my situation, my weakness and my needs. O God, to You I return, to You I complain and to You I seek help! Therefore, please lend me your hand for this pitiful servant to seek vengeance to punish those who made my loved ones suffered!'

My time has up. I closed my eyes. This moment, the scenery, the people and these memories, I would engrave it deep in my heart.

Pang!

The blade fell!

Cries of alarm burst out from the crowd. Some of them quickly covered their eyes in fear. That bloody head rolled down and onto the crowd and the stench of blood dissipated for a short while.

At this moment everyone had the same thought, gone now the villainous empress who marked the history of Epherozia by committing numerous heavy crimes that at last had met her own end.

Or is that what they had thought. Who would know the history is being repeated by the miracle bestowed from the high and mighty God to the innocent empress to take revenge! Except for this time, the people who will meet their ends are not the same.

Karina and Rexiald, I swear to my family's honor that I will bring you both down by my own hands! I will put an end to all the crimes you commit as well as paid back my debts!

Thus, the story of vengeance shall now begin! No one knows what's going to unfold coming from the wicked mind of the bloody empress.

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