Dixie couldn't put up much of struggle with her dwindling strength. She had a throbbing headache and felt very nauseous. She also felt as though she would faint any moment.
No! This wasn't her body. This punishment wasn't hers to bear. It wasn't Felicia's either, but it was especially not hers. She did not even live in this world or know these people.
"Let go of me! This is inhumane! How would you feel if you were made to face such a death? How can you do this to another human being?"
Her pleas fell on deaf ears.
The knights stayed mute as they proceed to tie her up, placing her flat on her back, and igniting the branches at the bottom of the pyre.
Tears of horror streamed down Dixie's face as she felt the encroaching heat. What a horrible way to die! Such punishments were outlawed in most countries in the modern world. And for good reason. This was beyond barbaric!
Staring at the blurry ceiling, a sudden outcry caused Dixie to turn her head to the side.
A large, golden haired man was rushing towards her.
Bonnie had leapt into action.
Knocking one of the knights to the side, she quickly picked up his sword and charged towards the pyre. Kicking away the burning branches, she brought her sword down hard upon the the rope tying Dixie down.
She yelped in shock and pain from the heat as she wrapped an arm around her sister's waist and pulled her away from the flaming mess.
The look on Felicia's face broke Bonnie's heart. She was so thin and malnourished. It was like setting a puppy on a pyre.
She reached down to pat away the flame that had caught on Alexander's trousers. "Are you alright, girl?"
Dixie looked up at the strange man wondering why he had saved her. Who was Felicia to him? Didn't everyone hate Felicia? How did she have an ally? She had never succeeded at even making a single friend.
Shock reigned in the air.
Duke Roelle had shot to his feet. He was startled earlier when he saw his son suddenly dart away, now he was completely stunned.
"Alexander, what is the meaning of this?!" The king boomed.
Bonnie raised her sword, adopting a protective stance in front of the condemned woman. She rotated on her heels as she faced the approaching knights. Twelve in total were closing in around them.
"I will slice you! Bitches! Come any closer and I will literally make you bleed!"
Everyone was appalled at his foul language.
The Duke snapped out of his shock. "Alexander, what are you doing!?"
Bonnie held her sword more firmly between her sweaty hands. "I'm saving my sister! Obvious!"
Helena is appalled. Why would he save Felicia? He hates her! They all do! When did he go back to calling her sister?!
The Pope spoke up. "Young Duke Alexander, you are only incriminating yourself by halting the execution of the witch!"
"Shut up, you bald fool!" Bonnie spat out, spitefully. She knew everything about this Pope. He was even filthier than Helena. He routinely blasphemed the Goddess Kartara whilst pretending to serve her.
Many of the seated nobles were engaging in loud conversation. The shock had given way to curiosity and bewilderment.
What was happening? It was a well known fact amongst high society that the Grand Duke's son hated his own sister because she was nothing but a troublemaker and instead favored his adoptive sister.
Why was he suddenly rushing to rescue the condemned one?
How could he insult the Pope?
"Alexander, explain yourself!" The Duke yelled.
"What are doing, Alex!? Have you lost your senses?! Why are you helping that woman!?" Prince Constantine's voice was laced with both shock and unease. He has not expected this in his wildest dreams.
"I've recently had a change of heart and mind...and body too if I am to be completely honest. Back off!" Bonnie mock attacked one of the knights who got too close.
Dixie's head snapped up. "Bonnie?"
Bonnie's back stiffened in surprise. "Dixie? How, damn, so the both of us then. I suspected as much."
"We're in the book." Dixie's voice was somber as she had yet to recover her mind from the horror of being tied up to be burned. She was still crying.
"Yes, we're in the book."
"How?"
"Beats me." Her tone became harsh as she addressed the knights around them. "Now listen carefully boys, I'm going to pick up my sister and we're going to leave. If any of you tries to follow us, I'll start swinging. Got it!"
The knights glared at him, even as a few looked to the king for instruction. They could have easily rushed at him and knocked him down, but he was the heir of House Del Montague. Even if he was protecting a woman deemed a witch and condemned to burn, he was an very important blueblood.
They had to proceed with caution or they may end up facing execution as well.
Helena cried out. "Brother! Stop this please!" She tried to run to him, only for Prince Constantine to yank her back.
Duchess Tyren briefly glanced at her daughter before looking back at Alex and the unbelievable stance he had taken. "Alexander!"
Duke Roelle feared for his son's safety. "Alex, I don't know what you think you're doing, but stop now! Drop the sword and come back here!"
"Pfft! I wouldn't have to do this if you weren't such a weasel!" Bonnie retorted.
The Duke is taken aback.
Dixie wiped away at the stupid tears which wouldn't stop falling when she saw that her hands were emitting a faint light. The moment she noticed, they immediately grew brighter.
"Oh my god!"