Guilty

                                    

                                          
I woke up to small knocks on the door, I feel an ache that jolts me awake when I try to stretch. I guess I shouldn't have slept on the couch. I look up and see Ezra standing at the door holding a deep red dress. I sit up and wince, I grab my side and rub it a bit, it didn't help the pain. 
"I'm still sore too, I hope you were able to get some rest."
"Morning already?" I say groggily
"Unfortunately, I let you sleep in a bit, but we have to be ready in an hour so I figured it best to wake you now." I nod and furrow my brows at the dress he laid down on my bed. 
"Where'd you get that?" I question, already knowing the answer. 
"Mother's closet." I look at him surprised, he says is as though its an everyday occurrence. I don't mind it, just surprised at how open he is about letting me borrow her clothing. As if sensing my surprise he follows up with more. 
"Considering the actions of these men in the past, I thought it would be fitting....to honor her." I smile a bit, I think it's fitting too. They'll have to be reminded of her while awaiting their fate.
It is a form fitting corset with an A shaped skirt, a square neckline and long sleeves that are adorned with lace at the hems. It is a deep wine color, with soft black lace trims. It's elegant, anyone that looks at it will know exactly who it belonged to. 
"Do you want help getting dressed?" he asked softly, his voice a gentle anchor in the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. I hesitated for a moment, weighing my pride against the fatigue that clung to me like a second skin. I could push myself to do it alone, to prove I was still capable, but the thought of expending that energy felt like a waste when the trial loomed ahead. I nodded, a small, silent acceptance, and watched as he moved with purpose to gather my clothes.
Ezra laid out the dress, the fabric shimmering like a pool of blood under the light, rich and regal. As I slipped into it, I felt the cool silk against my skin, a stark contrast to the bruises and cuts that marred my body. He stepped in closer, hands deftly working the laces of the corset, tying them with a tenderness that spoke of his care. He was cautious, careful not to apply too much pressure to my side, where the pain still whispered reminders of what happened. 
The dress hugged me in all the right places, the corset supportive yet forgiving, forcing me to stand tall, to project strength even when I felt anything but. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—my reflection was a tapestry of bruised skin and delicate elegance. The image of the Queen's dress was the focus, a beacon of hope and resilience.
Ezra settled onto the couch, giving me space as I finished getting ready. My fingers brushed over the pearls that Alexandria had gifted me for my sixteenth birthday. She had said every beautiful lady should have a nice set, a mark of maturity and grace. I placed them around my neck, the smooth orbs resting against my skin, their luminous sheen accentuating the deep red of the dress. The contrast was radiant, a vivid reminder of her love and the hope that lingered even in her absence.
As I fastened the last clasp, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me—a bittersweet ache for Alexandria, wishing she could be here to witness this moment. With a deep breath, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. 
Ezra stood behind me, his presence warm and grounding. He stepped forward, extending his arm toward me, an invitation to take hold.  I might be bruised, but I would not be broken.
"It's time for us to head out." The words hung in the air like a weight, and without a word, I nodded, standing up and wrapping my fingers around his arm. We left my room together, and as we walked down the halls, the events of the pond replayed in my mind like a relentless loop. I felt the gnawing regret gnaw at my insides, wishing I had done worse, inflicted more pain. They deserved no mercy for what they had done. But the reality of the situation: if they could lead us to Anthrax, their lives were spared, for now.