Friday Quick Fic–Lèse-majestié

Lèse-majestié

• a crime (as treason) committed against a sovereign power
  
• an offense violating the dignity of a ruler as the representative of a sovereign power
  
• a detraction from or affront to dignity or importance
  

[Middle French lese majesté, from Latin laesa majestas, literally, injured majesty
First Known Use: 1536]

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Drums played a somber march as the prisoner walked up to the noose. The crowd below watched with awe. His lèse-majesté had shocked them. At first, they denied it. He was too noble to commit such an act. He must be innocent. But the evidence was damming, written by his own hand.

He stood straight as the rope went around his neck. The crowd turned silent. Usually, they would be cheering as justice was served.

The door beneath his feet opened and he fell, halting as the rope went taunt. Heads bowed, and they were left to wonder. Now what?