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Alex was returned to his cell. He immediately called for Nicky, but there was no answer. He didn't think Nicky would ignore him now, so Nicky must be gone. Alex lay down and began to think. He realized his belongings were gone. They were taken when he left. He wondered what happened to them. He didn't suppose it mattered. Alex's mind wandered all over, trying not to think about what was going to happen, but it was futile.

He decided he'd like a shower. Yes, that would be his last request. He wondered if he'd get a last request. He wondered about a last meal, but he supposed that was pointless as he wasn't hungry. He thought, mostly, 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. Nicky and Delos, then. Nothing else was truly worth remembering.

He wondered what was happening up above, in his world. The agents must be frantic, trying to locate him. His parents must be beside themselves with worry. Well, at least his mother would be. He wasn't sure his father would care. Delos would care. Nicky would care, but he might hate 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. Not the horrible gruel he was brought previously.

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 it 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.

Alex was pleased. He hadn't even asked for the shower. He got up, and with no possessions to keep track of he followed the Exarch. He noticed 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 the Exarch as possible.

They reached an area which, to Alex, looked like a barracks. Upon entering that was obviously what it was, because there were guards billeted everywhere. Alex noticed, 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 Alex 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.

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

Alex was going to protest and argue, then he realized there wasn't much point. Much to his surprise, the clothes the Exarch picked were appropriate. There was a pair of black jeans and a 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 struggled 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 then."

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. Near to that was a hamper, presumably for dirty towels and, he supposed, dirty uniforms.

Alex was only partly self-conscious about getting undressed since he was alone. 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 naked 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. They 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.

Alex had no idea what to do. He was still trying to understand the contraption when another person came into the showers. Alex became uncomfortable as the man went to another showerhead and begin 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 it and carefully pulled one of the ropes, finding out 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 would have the best of everything, what with him being the Prince.

There was a soap dispenser at every station and he lathered up his body as well as his hair. Apparently the soap was a multi-use variety. He tried to hurry it up because more and more people were coming in to the showers. Alex had no way of knowing that it was shift change. The soldiers were all glancing at Alex with sidelong glances. He became aware of this, and grew flushed with embarrassment.

Alex felt the guards were staring at his nakedness and having sport with him, at least in their minds. The truth of the matter was 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 anyone.

Alex completed his shower as fast as he could because he felt 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 privates as best as he could. He dressed quickly, though he wasn't fully dry. Alex just didn't like being naked 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 their 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 the embarrassment of being naked. He wanted to get over it, but he couldn't. He'd never been naked in front of anyone, at least with so much light present. He felt terribly self-conscious. The guards would have laughed could they have read his mind. He stared at the ceiling, the windows ­ even though there were only two small ones ­ and anything else he could find that wasn't another person. He realized it was silly but he still couldn't get over it.

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

He felt a 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? I mean I could turn you in when I return." Alex suddenly felt stupid. He wasn't going to return. That's why Nigel was here.

"You're an 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."

"So what's the plan?"

"The Exarch will be here momentarily. He has actual charge of you because this is a church ceremony. I think he'll behave 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." Nigel paused.

"You're going to be taken to the church, first, and blessed, so you are not unclean, and then brought before the King in the Imperial War Room. His job is to execute you if his son does not. Then, he has to execute his son. 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 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 handed Alex two pills. "Take one when you leave here, and take the other before you lie down on the table where they bring you. 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 euthanizes 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. It's all I can offer you."

Alex put them 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, Alex. Trust in the King. He is, above all else, honourable, and so are you. Nikolai could have used someone like you by his side."

"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 bodyguard, sworn to protect him and his progeny with my life. I am also his best friend and have been since we were but boys."

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 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. Clearly it was the right answer. 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 make 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."

"No, no food. I couldn't possibly eat." Alex followed the Exarch down the corridors into the church. As he 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 he realized it wasn't for the Exarch. Alex stopped and asked, "Excuse me, but why are you doing that?"

"Doing what, Sir?"

"Saluting me. And 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, the Exarch got something unexpected. The guard gave him a very severe glance, and Alex felt the Exarch's 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. 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."

Alex nodded his assent. He knew it wasn't worth a fight.

"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.

"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 for last words, or he may not. You already had your meeting with him, so my guess is he will proceed with the offer 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, 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 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?"

"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 or Prince directs you to."

"I understand and agree."

"Nigel has requested one last moment alone with you."

"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 being naked?" Alex asked aloud 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, humiliated. Nigel began putting little silver packets on Alex with some unknown adhesive. "It's good you don't have hair, or this would take much longer." Alex nearly died from embarrassment and humiliation at that comment.

The little packets were warm and all connected with extremely thin wires. At one end of the link of wires was a small battery. It looked very modern and out of place to Alex. "What's it for?" Nigel put the battery inside Alex's shoe and the end with an antenna 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. When you hear the first shot, I press a switch on a small remote. It's going to blow the first packet open."

"So?"

"They're full of cow's blood. So people will 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."

"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," 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. 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. Then he concentrated on putting the chains on his limbs. He latched them but did not open 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. 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 all 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 from the steady thumping of a drum -- or something that sounded like a drum. The steady 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.

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. 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.