First Burn

Inspiration: First Burn

Caterina stood over the roaring bonfire in the town square, throwing letters into the flames as Edwin was brought forth by the guards, wrists shackled in silver. The midnight stars twinkle dimly for what was to come, as the moon hid behind clouds.

"Cat- Please!" Edwin began to beg, "It was a simple mistake. I didn't mean to-" He found a gag to meet his mouth.

"I save every letter you wrote me. From the moment we met, I knew you were mine.. Or so I thought." Caterina began, still staring into the inferno, "Do you know what Moria said when I told her what you had done?"

He swallowed hard.

"You have married a Blackfyre, he flew too close to the sun." Caterina's lips curled into a snarl as she tried to hide the tears.

He jerked against his chains to try and move closer to her.

"Don't take another step." She ordered, turning to look at him with red eyes, "I can't be trusted around you.. How could you.. No.. Don't think you can talk your way into my arms." She turned back towards the fire, throwing more papers in, "I'm burning the letters you gave me, you can stand over there. I don't know who you are.. Moria is right, I have so much to learn.."

The crowd murmured amongst themselves as Edwin fell to his knees, lowering his head.

"You published the letters she wrote you." She accused in a harsh tone, "You told the whole Kingdom how you brought this woman into our bed- just to clear your name of something I could've made go away. You've ruined our lives!" She grips a hand in her hair, scoffing lightly, "Heaven forbid someone whispers 'He's part of some scheme'. Your enemies whisper so you have to scream." She choked for a moment before continuing, "I know about whispers. I see how you look at my cousin."

Edwin felt his heart drop to his stomach.

"I'm not naive. I see how women are around you. All of them clinging to your every word. I see how they fall for your charm!" She dropped her hand, picking up the box of the rest of the letters and throws it in the bonfire, "I'm erasing myself of you. Let future historians wonder how I reacted to being betrayed."

Finally she turned to meet his gaze, burning hatred in her swollen eyes.

"And when the time comes, Explain to the children, the pain and the misery, you put me and them through!" Her hand rests on the bump on her stomach, clenching her fingers over the silk cloth, "When will you learn. They were your legacy! OUR Legacy! If you think you're still mine.. Don't." And with that, she snapped her fingers, the guards dragging him away to not be seen for a long while.

Caterina falls to her knees, weeping as she put her head in her hands. Several community members running out to hold and soothe her, glaring at Edwin's back as he disappeared into the darkness.