My mother's hand gripped mine tight as she tried to push passed the thick crowds. She yelled for people to move as she dragged me behind her. We didn't get far before I heard the beat of drums.

A man stood on a tall platform looking over the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come, as the Queen has decreed, the family of Dovershire shall be killed!” The crowd cheered as my mom pushed against them harder. I stretched my neck out to see the man on stage. “Yes! Let’s get them up here, aye?” He swung his arm and a line of people walked up.

He moved towards a woman with pale skin and bright red hair. She was wearing a huge dress colored gold and purple and a large pointy crown on her head. “Your majesty, who of these folks shall die today?” His lips pulled back into a grin. 

Her eyes narrowed as she frowned, “All of them.” The jester shrieked in happiness and started to dance. 

“Hear say the Queen! So shall it be!” Mom clutched me to her stomach, blocking my view. I peeked under her arm to see a man walk up behind the mom and place a knife at her throat. He’s just joking, right? He jerked her hand and blood squirted from her neck. I squeezed my mom’s hips as he moved to the next person. My eyes widened as he stood behind a little girl.

Her face was covered in tears and she was screaming pleas to her sister, who stared back silently. Her throat was slit and she dropped to the stage. The crowd cheered as the Queen smiled. “The Queen is satisfied! Praise the Queen.”

Mom tugged on my arm and pulled me away from the crowd.