Lady Jane

 

 

Bradgate, Leicestershire, England February 12, 1554

 

 My hands tremble in my lap as salty tears stream down my rosy cheeks. I tremble and shiver violently, even though the dungeon in which I sit is filled with heavy summer air that almost suffocates me as I struggle to breathe.

Sitting on the side of my bed, with a thin prickly sheet draped over my sagging shoulders, i try and block the weeks events from mind, but no matter what i do, i cant help replay the affairs that have been haunting me the last few hours. 

My beheading will take place in less then an hour, I am willing time to move faster, but every minute that slowly ticks by seems like an eternity. To help time move faster, I stand to my shaking feet, and make my way to the garden in which has a large gated wall surrounding it. The gardens the only place outside my cell in which i can enjoy some fresh air. 

I sniff some poppies before continuing with my leisurely pace around the cramped garden. My mind is fogged with terrifying thoughts, axes and blood fill my mind, and i shake my head in an effort to clear my thoughts.

My teary eyes glance at the Tower Of London, the place that use to be my palace, but is now my prison. The place in which i had felt safe, and at home, now feels terrifying and drab. 

Panic starts to rise in my chest, as i remember that i am to die soon. So i look at the freshly cut grass that swivels in green tufts below me, nature has always helped calm me. 

A noise steals my attention, a man had dropped his spear, he was a guard, no more then twenty years old, watching me with pity, his face is etched with worry and concern, i recognize him as the guard who escorted me from my palace bedroom to the dungeons. He had told me, that he, believed in my innocents. The words had touched me, I remember that he had brought me a sandwich the day i stood trial. Was it possible that he was the only person i knew that understood me?

His expression reminds me of my old nurse, Mrs Ellen. She always carried a similar poise. Instantly, tears return at the thought of my beloved maid. She was the only person who had truly, loved me. 

Then, guards are at me. Grabbing my wrists and guiding me out of the garden. They don't acknowledge me, to them, I am just another English traitor, a criminal, and not worthy of life. They do, however, treat me with a little more care then most criminals. As, three days ago i was a Queen, i guess they still feel it necessary to show some respect, even if not much. 

The guards lead me to the courtyard in which all public beheading's take place. I am just around the corner from the courtyard. From here, i can hear the enormous crowd cheering as someone else is beheaded. One of the guards i am with, whistles under his breath, and mutters the one word i didn't want him to whisper.

"Guildford" 

I close my eyes willing myself not to cry, but its useless, tears brim into my eyes again, and I give up trying to hide my emotions. 

My husband, precious Guildford. I try and remind myself that he is in a better place now, and that i shall be with him soon. But the thought only provokes more tears and soon I'm bent over choking. 

The guards ignore me, even though they can clearly see my dismay. 

In a panic, I scan the area around me in search of something to comfort me. My eyes immediately land on a worn out bible with a red leather cover. I snatch it up and squeeze it between my hands. Somehow knowing i am holding a bible bring my heart beat down a little. 

Then, my name is shouted, cheers ring all around me, screaming, hooting. The crowd is calling for my death, and it terrifies me. 

Guards gruffly push me forward and with every strand of strength within me i drag myself to the stage, and find myself in front of a large crowd of whaling people.

With a silk cloth tied tight around my head, shrouding me in darkness, I kneel down and lay flat on my stomach, with my neck on a rough wooden block. I grasp the bible and mutter prayers under my breath. 

Then, the sound of a swinging axe fills the air, and I become unconscious to the world. Away from my misery. 

Based on the death of Lady Jane Grey, who was queen of England for 9 days, and executed even though she was innocent.