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Alex was returned to his cell. He immediately called for Nicky, but there was no answer. He tried several times without success. Alex didn't think Nicky would ignore him now, so he realized Nicky must no longer be in his cell. Not knowing what else to do, Alex lay down and began to think. His mind wandered all over, trying not to think about what was going to happen, but it was futile. The oppressive seriousness of his situation weighed heavily upon him.

Alex got up and began to pace, and suddenly realized his belongings were gone. They must have been taken when he left. He wondered what happened to them before deciding that it didn't really matter. His mind continued to dart about from one random, unconnected thought to another.

Alex decided he'd like a shower. Yes, that would be his last request. He wondered if he'd get a last request. Then, he wondered about a last meal, but he supposed that was pointless as he wasn't hungry.

After his mental disarray began to quiet, he began to focus. Then Alex thought about his last moments with Nicky. He would treasure them forever. He wondered what would happen after he died -- was there a heaven, a hell? Would he still remember this life? He hoped so, if only for Nicky. His thoughts flashed briefly to Delos, then back to Nicky. Nothing else about his life was truly worth remembering when it came right down to it.

Alex wondered what was happening up above, in his own world. The agents must be frantic, trying to locate him. His parents would be beside themselves with worry. Well, at least his mother would be though he wasn't sure his father would care. Delos would very likely care -- he felt badly about making her sad. Nicky would care, but he might end up hating Alex for doing this. Alex wondered if the King would tell Nicky of his sacrifice.

Alex spent the rest of the night wondering. At least he assumed it was night. The guards brought food twice. It was real food, too and not the horrible fodder he was brought earlier. There was roasted beef with seasoned vegetables and a hunk of dark, orange cheese. There was even a small pudding to end it all.

Alex realized he must have drifted off to sleep when he felt someone trying to awaken him. His eyes opened, half hoping he was going to discover this was all a dream. He was greeted by the Exarch.

"I have been ordered to come take you to the showers and allow you to make yourself presentable." The Exarch nearly spat the words and clearly he wasn't pleased, but he also knew the King's word was absolute and defiance was death. The Exarch hoped nobody would notice the bruises that Alex's body would show after the previous night's beating.

Alex was pleased to the same extent the Exarch was displeased. He hadn't even asked for the shower. He got up, and with no possessions to keep track of, he followed the Exarch, noticing there were no guards. That was a revelation to him. Either the Exarch was hoping Alex would run so he could kill him, or the King was showing that he really trusted Alex to keep his end of the bargain. Alex wasn't curious enough to actually ask the Exarch. He despised the man, and his goal was to have as little contact with him as possible for the short remainder of his time here on Earth.

They reached an area which, to Alex, looked like a barracks. Upon entering that observation was confirmed, because there were guards quarters everywhere. Alex noticed that the Exarch's presence caused quite a stir. Alex would have been surprised to find out that, in actuality, there was more of a stir because he was there. The Exarch was a regular in the barracks because he often asked the guards what the people were saying. The Exarch was a slave to his need for information -- the success of his reign depended on it.

"You may shower here," said the Exarch flatly. "I went through your belongings and picked out a set of clean clothes that I think you will find appropriate."

Alex was going to protest and argue, but then he realized there wasn't much point. Much to his surprise, the clothes the Exarch picked were appropriate. He thought the Exarch might make an extra effort to embarrass him. There was a pair of black jeans and a long-sleeve rugby-type shirt with black and grey stripes. There was also a pair of clean underwear and socks. Alex felt a bit of irritation at the thought of someone going through his underwear, but he held it back. It didn't matter. On the whole, Alex was pleased at the Exarch's choices, though he made sure not to show it.

"I will return in twenty minutes. I have duties to tend to. You are not to leave the barracks," said the Exarch as he strode towards the door. "If you'd like your elevenses, we'll provide them upon my return."

Alex was alone in the shower. It was a communal shower, but it was empty. He looked around for a towel and saw a stack of them, neatly folded. Next to the stack of towels were some bottles of shampoo. Nearby there was a large, wicker hamper, presumably for dirty towels and, he supposed, other dirty items.

Alex was only partly self-conscious about getting undressed since he was alone. He wondered if he'd ever be completely comfortable being naked; at the same time he realized the answer was likely no, he realized it wouldn't matter much longer. He threw his dirty clothes in the hamper, and left his clean ones near the towels after making sure he was not in view of the door. He certainly wasn't going to parade around exposed for the guards.

He went over to the showers, and tried to figure out how they worked. There were two ropes running up to the ceiling which were attached to a large tank of some sort. The tank had two pipes that ran down into what appeared to be the most old fashioned showerhead of all time. It was large, flat, and had some imprecise holes drilled into it. Under each showerhead was a little shelf where a person might put whatever toiletries they had. Some of the shelves also had some partially used bars of soap.

Alex had no idea what to do. He was still trying to understand the contraption when another person came into the showers. The man was about his father's age and had a bit more girth to him. This man obviously ate well. He stopped at the hamper, undressed without ceremony or any indication that he cared if he was alone, grabbed a bottle of shampoo and walked to a shower, selecting one that had a bar of soap available.

Alex became uncomfortable as the man began to wash. He knew it must be another soldier, but he really wanted his privacy. He observed the other man using the shower, and was able to see how the showers worked by copying this man's actions.

Alex stood under the showerhead and carefully pulled one of the ropes, finding out that the water it produced was very cold. He tried the other rope and nearly burned himself from the water temperature. He found that pulling them together allowed him to control the temperature. Then he noticed the peg where you could tie the ropes down. As he did so, he wondered why Nicky's showers were normal and these weren't. It only took him a moment before he realized that Nicky, being the Prince, would have the best of everything.

Alex tried to hurry it up because more and more people were coming in to the showers. He had no way of knowing that it was shift change. The soldiers were all looking at him with sidelong glances. As he became aware of this, he flushed with embarrassment.

Alex felt the guards were staring at his nakedness and having fun at his expense. He tried to keep his front aimed towards the wall where nobody could see his privates. The truth of the matter was that the guards were curious at this prisoner who, at the King's command, was to be left unfettered and given free run until his execution. This was unheard of by any of them in all of their remembered history.

Alex completed his shower as fast as he could because he felt certain he would die of embarrassment and shame any minute. No guard made any move to stop him, talk to him, or harm him in any way. He dried off, his back to the guards, protecting his modesty as best as he could, dressing quickly, though he wasn't even fully dry. Alex just didn't like being nude around strangers, or anyone for that matter.

He walked out of the shower into the barracks area to await the Exarch and his instructions. He stood near the door, afraid to touch anything for fear of angering the guards.

One of the guards finally got over his fear or intimidation of this boy who was under the protection of the King himself. "You can sit down if you'd like. We're not going to hurt you."

"Thank you," said Alex. He looked around and sat down on a chair. Alex still felt his ears burning from embarrassment. He wanted to get over it, but he couldn't. He'd never been completely naked in front of anyone, at least with so much light present. He felt terribly self-conscious. Alex stared at the ceiling, the walls ­ even though they were plain and barren ­ and anything else he could find that wasn't another person. He realized it was silly but he still couldn't get over it.

Alex dropped into deep thought, wondering if death was going to hurt. He felt oddly detached from the situation. Although he knew he was going to his death, it didn't bother him. Not anymore. He felt this was the most noble act in the world, and even if nobody else understood it, he did. This was for Nicky.

He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, and came out of his thoughts. "Hello, Alex."

"Nigel?" said Alex in surprise, astonishment showing on his face.

"Yes, you're obviously surprised to see me here."

"You're one of them?"

"Isn't that obvious? I mean, I am here in front of you. Besides, I thought you had somehow guessed."

"I never would have suspected."

"That's good. You're not supposed to guess. You're not even supposed to consider it."

"Isn't it dangerous letting me know who you are? After all, I could turn you in when I return." Alex suddenly felt very stupid. He wasn't going to return and that's why Nigel was here -- because it didn't matter if Alex knew or not.

"You're an extraordinary and interesting young man. As I learn more about you, I can see what the Prince sees in you. Though my opinion doesn't count in this matter, I wish there were some other way. I really do. I'm sure the Prince feels that way too."

Alex felt suddenly and inexplicably uncomfortable. "So what's the plan?" asked Alex wishing to change the subject.

"The Exarch will be here momentarily. He has actual charge of you because this is a church ceremony. I think he'll behave himself because he's afraid of the King, so his personal wishes won't intercede. He's not an evil man, though you must think so. Like most religious men, he's truly devoted to what he believes in, and that is steeped in deep, ancient tradition. You stand against everything he thinks he believes in, so you mustn't hate him." Nigel stopped to gather his thoughts.

"To answer your question, you're going to be taken to the church first and be blessed, so you are not unclean, and then you'll be brought before the King in the Imperial War Room. The King's job is to execute you if his son does not. Then, he has to execute his son should his son fail to kill you. I assume you'll probably have your throat slit because that is the way it's usually done."

Alex couldn't help himself. He shuddered and a silent tear came to his eye, followed by another, and another. Though he didn't move his head, he could sense that every eye there was on him. He held himself together only by knowing he was doing this for Nicky. Everything was for Nicky.

Nigel leaned forward, and discreetly handed Alex two pills while dropping his voice lower. "Take one when you leave here, and take the other before you lie down on the table where they instruct you to lay. The first pill will disperse a chemical into your bloodstream that will make you a bit sleepy, and the second is a catalyst that will put you under quickly, much like a veterinarian euthanises an animal. The second pill contains a liquid, so you must bite into it. By the time the ceremony is over, you won't be aware of what happens. Everything will be relatively painless, or at least as painless as it can be. It's all I can offer you."

Alex put the pills in his pocket quickly. This was becoming more and more curious, and more and more like a movie. Real life seemed so far away, yet here he was. "Thank you. I don't know why you're doing this. I really don't."

"I know you don't, Alex, but it doesn't matter anymore. Everything is in motion. Trust in the King. He is, above all else, honourable, and so are you. Nikolai could have used someone like you by his side as he grew up; I'm sure he'd have been a better man for knowing you."

"Who exactly are you, Nigel? You're not a regular soldier."

"I am not allowed to tell you. You're an outsider," said Nigel loudly before leaning forward and whispering, "I am His Majesty's personal bodyguard, sworn to protect him and his progeny with my life. I took the oath as a child not long after I met him, and have spent half of my life training. I am also his best friend and have been since we were but boys, and that means more to me than anyone can understand."

Alex just couldn't keep track of everything. Too much was happening at once. He knew there had to be a better way, but it was far too late. He'd given his word to the King and he would honour it regardless. For Nicky.

The Exarch stormed in, fuming mad. "Nigel, what are you doing here?"

"His Majesty thought it best I remind our charge of his promises so we don't have any incident at the ceremony."

The Exarch relaxed visibly upon hearing what he thought of as the correct answer as far as he perceived it. Alex made a mental note that Nigel hadn't reminded him of any such thing. He knew Nigel would have been a good friend -- and hoped he'd stay with Nicky. Nicky needed someone like Nigel at his side in the cold, harsh world. An unbearable, painful heaviness began to envelop his soul and made it hard to breathe.

"This way, Alex. We're going to the church. I must give you some instructions. You can have your elevenses then if you'd like," offered the Exarch in stiff tones.

"No, no food. I couldn't possibly eat." Alex followed the Exarch down the corridors into the church. The Exarch was a full stride ahead of Alex, and as they passed groups of people, they saluted. He assumed it was for the Exarch, though the Exarch looked very displeased. It wasn't until they came to the church doors and the guard on duty saluted directly to Alex after the Exarch had passed that he realized it was for him. Alex stopped and asked the guard, "Excuse me, but why are you doing that?"

"Doing what, Sir?"

"Saluting me. And please don't call me Sir."

"It isn't my place to say, Sir. You have earned it, though."

The Exarch grabbed Alex's shoulder to make him move, and for it, got something unexpected. The guard gave the Exarch a very severe glance, and Alex felt his grip loosen. This is getting really fucking weird. I'd like to know what this is about, but it doesn't matter. Alex began to have trouble breathing again. He repeated to himself for Nicky, everything for Nicky and his breathing slowed.

They entered the Exarch's chamber, and the Exarch stopped and motioned for Alex to sit. He went around a large, dark, wooden desk and sat facing Alex.

"Here's how it's going to work. We'll come and get you when it's time. Then we're going to go in a processional. Tradition says you are in chains, and the King has not said otherwise, so I will ask you to wear them," the Exarch clearly was doing his best to make this uncomfortable for Alex by speaking in short sentences, in a stern voice, bereft of any emotion whatsoever.

Alex nodded his assent. He knew it wasn't worth a fight even though his injuries would make it a painful journey.

"Near the end, we will enter the Imperial War Room. The guards are supposed to force you to lie on the stone table. If you are of the cooperative mind, you may go there of your own free will and we can dispense with that part."

Alex again nodded his agreement. "I will."

"You will be chained in place. The King will give a speech. The Prince will then be given a chance to redeem himself by killing you." The Exarch smiled an unfriendly smile, hoping that Nicky would kill Alex. He hated interlopers ever so much.

"The King may offer you a chance to say any last words, or he may not. You already had your meeting with him, so my guess is he will proceed with the offer of last words to the Prince. If the Prince kills you, then it is over and you will be buried. If he does not, then you will be killed by the King's own hand, then the Prince will be killed having forfeited his life, again by the King's own hand. If that happens, you will be buried together in an unmarked grave."

Alex wanted to tell the Exarch being buried together with Nicky wouldn't be so bad, but he realized he was hoping it wasn't going to come to that. "So far, I'm fine with everything you've said."

"I must say I'm surprised. You don't have the typical reaction of someone facing death. Any reason you care to share?" inquired the Exarch, his inquisitive nature overcoming his distaste for Alex.

"Yes, there is a reason, and no, I don't care to share it. Suffice it to say that it's a matter of honour, and you have the most cooperative death-row inmate in history."

"As you wish. You are required to wear these chains. I will allow you to put them on, but not lock them. You must not take them off, nor must you speak, unless the King, the Prince, or I direct you to."

"I understand and agree."

"Nigel has requested one last moment alone with you," said the Exarch, irritation clear in his voice.

"That's fine."

The Exarch went out and Nigel came in. "Hello, again. I need to remind you that you must take those pills. The King himself insists. Do you remember when?"

"One when we leave here, and the other just before I lie down on the table, right?"

"Yes, exactly."

"Now, I'm going to ask you to disrobe, excepting your undergarments. I need to put some ceremonial items on your body."

"What is it with this place and always having to get naked?" Alex blurted before realizing he had spoken out loud.

"No time to argue or explain. Just do it. Please. Trust me. Everything except your underwear."

Nigel went and locked the door to the Exarch's chamber while Alex undressed. Alex was soon red-faced and standing in his underwear, feeling once again utterly humiliated. Nigel began putting little silver coloured packets on Alex with some unknown adhesive. "It's good you don't have much hair, or this would take much longer and be decidedly more uncomfortable." Alex nearly died from embarrassment and humiliation at that comment.

The little packets were warm and all connected with an extremely thin metal wire that was no thicker than a human hair. At one end of the link of wires was a pair of small batteries, each the size of a coin. It looked very modern and out of place to Alex. "What's it for?" asked Alex as Nigel put the battery inside Alex's shoe and the end with a small aerial near Alex's wrist just under the cuff of his shirt.

"Get dressed, and I'll tell you what this is all about."

Alex began getting dressed.

"The King doesn't want any chance of Nicky failing. If you look carefully, there's a tiny wire attached to the trigger which runs along the barrel to the sight. The sight is really a wireless transmitter, so each time he shoots, it's going to blow a packet open."

"So?"

"They're full of cow's blood. People will believe they see a bullet impact, and see you bleed to death, even if the Prince misses. It's also mixed with potassium cyanide which will provide a quick death. The pills will make it so you don't feel the pain of asphyxiation; that's what happens to you when the cyanide gets in your bloodstream as it's absorbed through your skin. In this way, you are assured Nicky kills you and he lives." Nigel repeated the words exactly as the King had instructed him. He wasn't sure where the King had got such clever devices, but he knew it was a good plan.

"Thank you. Thank you for everything." Alex was relieved. There was no chance of failure now. He thought it odd to be thanking someone for killing him. But that was okay; everything was for Nicky.

The Exarch came in as soon as Nigel unlocked the door. "What was the delay?"

"I'm sorry, Your Excellency, but His Majesty had some specific instructions for the boy he wished me to deliver in person. He doesn't want any problems. After all, there is so much at stake."

"I suppose," said the Exarch, knowing that Nigel didn't speak the truth, but unwilling to challenge the King's confidant.

"I'll leave you to begin the procession. My presence is required with His Majesty and the Prince. I leave this part in your most capable hands," oozed Nigel with fake sincerity as he swept towards the door.

The Exarch glanced at Alex, then handed him the chains. "If you need help, I'll gladly do it. What did he say to you?" inquired the Exarch suddenly, hoping to catch Alex off guard.

"I was told I am not to speak to the Prince even if he speaks to me. He was rather adamant and insistent about it," Alex lied. He didn't know what else to say.

Apparently it was a good lie because the Exarch made a wicked little smile in reply. "I see. It seems he's come to his senses then," muttered the Exarch under his breath as he turned.

Alex knew he wasn't supposed to hear this, so he didn't react. Alex took the first pill, as instructed when the Exarch had turned away. Then he concentrated on putting the chains on his limbs. He latched them but did not lock them. He called to the Exarch to shut the last one, since he couldn't do it himself. The Exarch turned back to face Alex, and complied.

Alex wondered, suddenly, how he was going to take the second pill if he was chained. There was no sense in worrying about it now. The Exarch waved Alex into the hall, and into a processional of courtiers, guards, and other officials. Alex didn't recognize any of them.

They entire procession wore white robes except for the Exarch who wore red and Alex who was wearing black. They all walked two abreast down the corridors, except for the Exarch in the lead alone, followed by Alex and a guard. As the processional moved forward, people were looking, some saluting, others pointing and gawking, but it was eerily silent except for the steady thumping of a drum that sounded like a beating heart. The rhythmic beating sounded in time with the lock-step of the processional, and it even seemed that his heart was beating in time to the drums. Alex was reminded of the drums in Moria just before the Balrog appeared.

As they went along, he realized the Exarch hadn't blessed him as Nigel had mentioned earlier. Alex decided he didn't need a blessing as his death approached. He was fearful, but as long as he kept Nicky in the forefront of his thoughts, nothing would keep him from his mission.

Soon, they arrived at the doors to the Imperial War Room. Two guards stood at the doors, one at each side. These guards, unlike the others, were clearly not ceremonial in nature. They were well armed, well armoured, and did not look like they were of a pleasant disposition.

At the arrival of the Exarch, they flung the doors outward and open for the processional to march in. The King sat in a chair on a dais, Nicky was beside him, unsmiling, unmoving. Nigel was standing in the background and was busy making sure he didn't take special notice of anyone, though he was carefully making note of everything.

Near the throne was a stone platform, and Alex knew that's where he was to go. The Exarch pointed at it, subtly, so Alex knew it was time. He walked, keeping the pace of the processional, towards the platform. The processional continued past, rapidly filling the chairs surrounding the room as each person in the processional sat in turn. Looking up, briefly, Alex noted that there was an observation deck with lots of benches which reminded him of the mezzanine in a theatre. Alex wasn't sure what a War Room would need observation decks for, but maybe the room had other uses. Then again, he wondered why they had a War Room. There wasn't ever a war here, was there? He realized it didn't matter. None of it mattered. He was about to die. For Nicky.