Vic again advised, "Your Majesty, perhaps the concubine is not as innocent as you think. You know well that she is involved in this matter, yet you still defend her and sacrifice your only wife. Is this the behavior of a gentleman?"
Rory kicked him fiercely and said, "You've become quite bold now, daring to speak to me this way!"
He stubbornly replied, "I am only speaking the truth, Your Majesty."
Rory emitted a strong sense of oppression, rendering Vic unable to raise his head or even position his hands and feet.
"Even if I intentionally protect the concubine, so what? Bailey went to great lengths to marry into the palace. She should bear the pressure and danger that comes with this position. It is what she deserves. Can't blame others!"
His tone was sharp and cold, far from the demeanor of a nobleman.
"If she can safely return from the Revelation Temple, she will still be the queen consort. If she cannot clear her name, she can only blame herself for not having the luck!"
The Revelation Temple was eerily quiet, permeated by the scent of blood.
The jailer clenched a whip soaked in saltwater and lashed it onto Bailey's body. The pain was suffocating, but she gritted her teeth and endured.
"Why haven't you confessed yet? Insisting only makes you endure more punishment. It would be better to speak the truth sooner. Only then can Prince Aron give you a lighter sentence!"
Was this the path of coercion?
Bailey let out a cold laugh, her pale face dazzling with beauty in that smile.
"I haven't done anything. Why should I confess?"
"Crack!" Another whip struck.
The fresh wounds overlapped with the old ones, causing her forehead to sweat profusely.
Surviving a second life was not easy at all. Bailey sneered in her heart.
Initially, she tried to avoid all the trouble, but it still sought her out. One after another, official documents with accusations were placed before her, waiting for her to sign and admit guilt.
Furthermore, Prince Aron didn't even give her a chance to defend herself. He didn't want to hear a word she said and dismissed all her statements.
Although Bailey was not very familiar with the laws in this place, as a queen consort, even if she had accidentally caused the death of an ordinary person, it shouldn't warrant death. However, if she were intentionally imprisoned, she might face long-term abuse. The outcome was uncertain.
The barbs on the whip dug deep into her flesh with each strike, causing her to lose consciousness amid the brutal torture gradually.
When she woke up again, she found herself thrown into a dungeon.
Her once snow-white prisoner's attire had been stained red. Any movement caused a searing pain to course through her body.
This was just the beginning. Other tortures would be awaiting her unless she could find favorable evidence. Otherwise, this torment would never end.
Death awaited her at the Revelation Temple!
Would Rory help her?
Bailey bitterly smiled. Perhaps he was inside the palace applauding and enjoying his time with his concubine, having dinner. How could he possibly help her?
The door to the cell was pushed open, and a plump woman entered. She rudely threw a bowl onto the ground and placed another water bowl, saying, "Eat up! Hurry, I need to clean up
Bailey sniffed and coldly replied, "The food is spoiled."
The woman sneered disdainfully, glaring at her. "So what if it's spoiled? Since you've ended up in the Revelation Temple, you should know that surviving here depends on your means."
"Oh," Bailey maintained a steady gaze. "I do eat at a leisurely pace. I kindly request you to wait outside the door for a while."
"How troublesome!" The woman couldn't be bothered to wait by the door. Instead, she ventured outside and found herself a chair to settle on.
Once she departed, Bailey, with the remnants of her spiritual strength, conjured a small vial of pale white medicine.
She observed the vial for a fleeting moment, then closed her eyes and emptied its contents into the meal before her.
How absurd it was! These individuals desired to harm her, but their capability to do so hinged upon their prowess!
Meanwhile, the woman outside reclined with crossed legs, her impatience evident as she paced. The prison exuded an atmosphere of somber dampness, accompanied by an unsettling hint of blood. She loathed every passing moment! Anxious to ascertain if Bailey had finished her food she was stupefied upon nearing her!
Witnessing Bailey collapse, sprawled upon the ground, eyes tightly shut, froth oozing from her mouth, and lips tinged with an ominous hue. She was undoubtedly displaying symptoms of poisoning!
"Heavens! Hurry, someone! The queen consort has fallen victim to poisoning!"
Within the palace walls.
Prince Aron knelt on the ground, offering an account of Bailey's predicament to Emperor Zachary.
"My Lord, the queen consort of King Rory has long engaged in self-serving deeds. However, this time, matters have escalated to the point of claiming a life. From my perspective, she had acquired a rudimentary knowledge of medicine, intending to experiment on commoners. Regrettably, her endeavors resulted in the demise of her patient."
Emperor Zachary had been experiencing a disheartened disposition in recent days. A discussion among several ministers regarding taxation had transformed into a heated altercation, reaching an impasse devoid of resolution.
Prince Aron's report, delivered amidst such circumstances , unintentionally fueled the already enkindled flame.
Unforeseen by all, the Emperor merely frowned, setting his work aside before inquiring, "Has she confessed?"
"The queen consort adamantly refuses to admit their guilt. I have employed persuasive words to sway her, but they have been brushed aside. She stubbornly maintains her innocence!"
"In that case, reexamine the individual who reported the incident, unraveling the intricate details. This young lady possesses a fiery temperament, yet her heart harbors no malice. Let us not wrongfully accuse her."
"How could a lowly commoner dare to defame a queen consort? It is surely the queen consort who has crossed boundaries. If left unchecked, it will undoubtedly lead to even greater upheaval!"
Despite all that had been spoken, Emperor Zachary remained silent and, to everyone's surprise, even voiced a few words in her defense.
"The queen consort is of delicate constitution. Thus do not impose excessive severity upon them."
Plagued by a twinge of guilt, Prince Aron acknowledged the command and prepared to withdraw when the servant of the Emperor hastened into the room, breathless.
"Your Majesty, King Rory has entered the palace. He claims that his queen consort has been poisoned within the Revelation Temple, her life hanging in the balance."
Emperor Zachary's countenance turned frigid. "Summon him in!"