Grandmaster Lysander paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sentence for Princess Isabel. Her actions have left us with no choice but to decree the ultimate punishment. In accordance with the laws of Valareath.
A murmur ran through the crowd, a mix of satisfaction and sorrow. Grandmaster Lysander raised his hand for silence. "This is not a decision made lightly, nor is it one we take any pleasure in. It is a necessity for the preservation of our kingdom, our laws, and our way of life. Let this serve as a reminder that justice is impartial and unyielding, and that our commitment to it will never waver."
He carried the Grandmaster's wand filled with courage and strength. The crowd cheered more; they got goosebumps on their skin, all feeling proud of their kingdom and its law. The crowd shouted, "Long live the king! No one is above the law of Valareath kingdom."
Seeing the joyous, over-reactive crowd behaving like they were injected with chicken blood, Lysander's mouth twitched, but he maintained his serious composure and announced, "Now, in front of the entire Valareath Kingdom, the king will declare the punishment of Sixth Princess Isabel."
Isabel didn't feel anything about it; it did not matter to her that the crowd was cheering for her to be dead, or for the supremacy of their kingdom. Now, Isabel had gone into a calm state, ignoring everyone around her, patiently waiting for her father to step on the platform and announce her punishment.
There were two other persons hiding in the shadows, watching the entire event unfold. Kaldor said, "Your mother has really messed up. Did she really think that this plan would guarantee you become the crown prince without competition?"
Crown Prince Adrian looked at his best friend, the Duke of North Kaldor Kyriakidis, who had been behaving strangely ever since they learned of Queen Marie's plan. "Why are you shouting at me? It's not like I had anything to do with this disgusting, degrading act.
But you are her son; maybe you were in on all the planning," Kaldor continued with his sarcasm towards Adrian.
Adrian responded, "Don't be childish, Kaldor. We've been together since you start drinking milk. Anyway, I know my father. He will not give Isabel a death sentence."
"You say something, and the entire scene is different. The crowd is asking for the death sentence for Isabel," Kaldor said, anger fuming in his head. "I had gone great length just to get Isabel out from that filthy dungeon, only to fall into another pit."
Adrian looked at his best friend's ugly expression and remembered the time he accidentally overheard the conversation between his mother and sisters about how they had kept Isabel in a dungeon for five years.
It was like the ground beneath him shifted when he heard the cruel words from their mouths. He couldn't believe that his mother and sisters would degrade themselves like this.
They didn't trust him to prove himself as the heir to the throne. He didn't want to use this method to get what he wanted. And he shared everything he heard from his mother with his best friend, Kaldor.
He and Kaldor worked hard for an entire six months just to locate Isabel. And when they found that she was kept in such a place, their blood ran cold just by thinking about how much Queen Marie could be cruel.
Adrian snapped back ftom his thoughts when he heard the loud voices from the commoners as the king finally took his place in front of the entire gallows.
Everyone was in anticipation of what might be the king's decision. Adrian knew his father wouldn't allow Isabel to be sentenced to death, and he had a gut feeling that Isabel could not be the killer of her dragon; someone was plotting behind her, maybe it was his very own mother.
Thinking about Queen Marie, his heart clenched, and he felt painful from all inside. Why? Why had she taken this path? Did she not trust him?
The king stepped on the podium and addressed the citizens.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of Valareath kingdom, the kingdom of beasts.
Today, I come before you not only as king, but also as a servant of justice and the unwavering beliefs that unite us as a kingdom. During these tough times, we have seen the shadows of wrongdoing dominate our country. However, we have witnessed the determination and hope that burns brightly in each of your hearts.
I pledge to you, my people, that no act of injustice shall go unpunished. To those who have caused harm and turmoil, know that your actions will be met with the full force of our laws. Our kingdom stands firm in its commitment to justice, and punishment will be delivered to those who deserve it."
[Crowd cheers]
The king pauses, acknowledging the cheers before continuing.
"Equally, let it be known that those who have suffered wrongs, those who have been unjustly treated, will find justice within these walls. Our kingdom is built on fairness, and we will strive tirelessly to restore peace and dignity to every wronged soul.
Together, we shall build a future where justice prevails and where every citizen can hold their head high with pride. Thank you for your unwavering support and faith in our shared vision.
Long live the kingdom!"
The king continued with his stern expression.
"I, Scorvius Drá Ashéncrest XII, Sovereign of Valareath, hereby sever all ties between the Sixth Princess Isabel Drá Ashéncrest of Valareath and the esteemed lineage of Ashéncrest.
Let it be known across our realm that she stands alone, stripped of her birthright, for she has committed an unforgivable sin—the slaying of her own dragon Pyraxor, the last dragon of the proud Emberstorm lineage."
But the next sentence of king left everyone in disbelief.
The crowd's murmur grew louder at the king words. Everyone was shocked, and all the nobles, especially Queen Marie, whose eyes almost bulged out. Queen Marie murmer in a low wishper, Why?
Crown Prince Adrian gave a knowing smile to kaldor, who was on the verge of exploding.