Shards and Feathers

Clarity came. My senses sharpened and the noise from the crowd dimmed to a hum. Everything slowed, and I became aware of the sound of my breathing and beating heart.

I watch as the servant approached the king, golden basin in hand, and offered it to him. The king smiled and said something to the servant. The servant smiled in return, but it was a different smile. A hidden smile. I heard a crossbow being loaded, a clear sound in my mind against the roar of the audience.

The crowd, oblivious to what is happening, cheers on. My mind blocks them out, intent on the small sounds.

I step forward, seemingly in water as time bends around me. I push through the audience, heading for the stand where the king sits, his hand slowly reaching for the basin of sweet smelling liquid.

I feel my chest pounding and hear the blood in my ears. People around me jostle and squeeze to get a good view of His Majesty, moving into the way. I dodge them and fight my way forward. I fall. I run. I get tossed away, but I persist. I have to get to him.

I have to...