The day draws on and I am weakening. My beautiful twins have been sold, and the screams as they were branded still echo in my head and in my heart. Jane still manages to rise on her cross to breath but is weakening. I only wish fir her struggle to end.
I barely saw or heard the commotion, Or judge John and twenty soldiers enter the courtyard with a bandaged soldier in generals uniform. . But I heard about it Later.
I do have a vague recollection of the cross being taken down and the screaming agony of the jolt. Then a merciful blackness of the nether world between life and Death and the slow painful recovery.
But that was sone twenty years ago now. In another world and an age ago. Richard and I qere emperor and empress of the little state until he died five years ago and since I have ruled alone. And now it's time to hand over to my Daughter. Yes, another female ruler..
This is not the only thing that changed. The laws have changed. The last people to be put to death by crucifiction were Miriam and Rupert and their Co conspiritors. I had entered a plea for excile but their crimes were deemed too heinous. I did not go, but Richard did. I am told that Miriam did not meet her end at all well. Poor woman.
We all bear the scars of those five days. Physical and mental. Jane and I bear the scars with fortitude but our breasts will never recover from the brutal treatment. And I am reminded every day of the loss of sexual pleasure.
Jane found love and contentment with a young soldier and the twins are happily married. But I am content with the small changes I have managed to make under the guidance of judge John and his colleagues. And the grandchildren are a blessing.
Just In case you think I am too saintly, the 'young bucks' who took my clitoris were spared. But without penis or testicles.
The end.....