near guillotines, acclaimed headsmen of means.
Duplicitous gleams eyeing you, their thighs
secretly tattooed, surnames, killers, kings,
state-sanctioned blowjobs, beheadings so why
not princess—even you? One bed, one head,
misstep, or two, detected, collected, stored
fine wine uncorked, with lords, midnight, rust, red
aroma, royal deficiencies poured
some stone-floored cellar, behind arched oak doors.
A happy ending may require cunning,
a crown to topple, rolling heads on floors
ideally yours. Best sacrifice is queen.
Appeasement is the strategy you take.
They’re carnivores, and you serve them cake.
