The greatest punishment for the Sixth Princess Isabel was to live a commoner's life and stripped from her birth title. The king's words slapped the anticipations of every noble and commoner. Only one thought lingered in their minds: What about the death sentence?
The entire gallows fell silent as everyone wondered what their beloved king had just declared. What about the supremacy of their law and the integrity of their kingdom? Was all the soul-stirring speech of the Grandmaster mere nonsense?
Whispers of doubts spread through the entire crowd. And it's growing louder with each passing moment. Did the king not have to continue? Why was he silent? These murmurs echoed with clear and sharp voices falling in everyone's ears.
Adrian shot a wicked smile at Kaldor as if to say, "See, I knew it." Kaelan rolled his eyes at Adrian's smug expression but remained silent. He continued watching the crowd and the king's reaction. Just like everyone he was eagerly anticipating the king's next words.
Queen Marie was stunned. How could he do this? She would not allow him to ruin her plan so easily. Had he been blinded by his affection for Isabel to ignoring the seriousness of the situation and leaving her without any punishment?
Queen Marie's eyes became bloodshot at the thought of the king's biased behavior towards Isabel. How could he treat her differently than his other daughters?
Queen Marie clenched her hands around her fan and with crocodile tears in her eyes said, "Oh my! How could our Isabel survive as a commoner? She came from a humble family before, but over the years, she has been spoiled rotten by us."
Tears fell from Queen Marie's eyes. her heart breaking for the Sixth Princess. The nobles around her began murmuring in agreement.
"Yes! Queen Marie is right. How can someone live as a commoner after enjoying the luxury of royal treatment?" Countess Rose exclaimed while holding her fan in an arrogant manner.
"Ahh! It's better that she regains her rightful position. After all, she has been a shame to the entire royal family."
"Hmm. I think it would be better if she died and saved us some effort," Marchioness Evelina added after Countess Rose.
"Pray tell, Countess Rose, how is it that you find it appropriate to speak of a princess in such a dismissive manner?" Duchess Beatrice asked with her voice smooth but firm. " Princess Isabel may not have her title now but she is still royal by blood and she deserves our respect."
Countess Rose opened her fan. And said with her eyes sharp with disdain. "Oh, Duchess, spare us your theatrics. Isabel was a princess once, but now she's just a commoner. We should be focused on her disgrace and not giving her sympathy."
Marchioness Evelina chimed in, her tone condescending. "Exactly! How can we support someone who has shamed the royal family? She deserves the harshest punishment, not our pity."
"Regardless, she still possesses royal blood. And I have heard that Princess Isabel was the king's favorite." Duchess Beatrice said while directing her eyes toward the twin princesses Thalassa and Elysia, who sat nearby their mother queen.
Her action was clear that she was insdicating something by pointing towards the twin princess. And everyone understand it too.
Queen Marie stiffened but did not lose her composure. The expression on the princesses' faces, however was worth looking.
Duchess Beatrice seized the opportunity and continued, "Look at the worry on your face, dear Princess. One might think you actually care for your sister's fate,"
With all eyes on her, Princess Thalassa felt the pressure from all. Her hands shook as she gripped her fan, trying to stay calm and said. "How dare you suggest that I didn't care about my sister Duchess Beatrice?" she shot back with anger flaring in her eyes.
Duchess Beatrice remained calm, her voice steady. "But your expression seems selective princess. If you truly cared, wouldn't you want a lighter punishment for her? Or do you prefer to watch her suffer?"
Princess Elysia, sitting next to Thalassa, exchanged a glance with her sister. She was equally hiding her enjoyment. "Isabel was favored once, but she doesn't deserve anything now," she said with low voice but it's cutting.
Countess Rose smirked while enjoying the argument. "Exactly, Duchess. Isabel has embarrassed the Royal family. You can't expect us to rally around her now."
Duchess Beatrice stood firm, her eyes fierce. "It's because she is your sister that you should acknowledge her struggles. To gloat over her downfall is beneath us as nobles. Shouldn't we show compassion, even when it's hard?"
Tensions rose as Princess Thalassa's face flushed with anger and with gritted teeth she continued, "I loved my younger sister Isabel with all my heart but if she descided to go on a wrong path, I will not support her."
Duchess Beatrice softened her expression, but her words were firm. "I do not mock, dear Princess. But I can't see you supporting her when others are degrading your lovely sister. I can't but doubt your intentions,whether it is true or not.
The atmosphere grew tense with the other nobles shifting uncomfortably. Duchess Beatrice stood as Isabel's only defender while Countess Rose and Marchioness Evelina enjoyed gloating over Isabel's misfortunes and highlight the rift within the royal family.
As the tension grew there. Queen Marie finally spoke with a steady amd authoritative voice. "Duchess Beatrice, while I appreciate your concern for Isabel, the princess does not need to prove herself to anyone. She regrets what happened with her sister, but that doesn't mean she will blindly defend her."
Duchess Beatrice looked at the queen with a small smile. "Oh, Queen Marie, you should have said that earlier. If that's the case, then why are you upset with the king's punishment? If Isabel is guilty, she must accept the consequences. And you should respect the king's decision."
Queen Marie's expression hardened. "My concern is not the punishment itself, Duchess, but I am just worried about Isabel as she is same like my daughters.
Duchess Beatrice repeated Queen Marie's words, same like daughter? with sneer in her heart.