The king's face turned red with rage and shock, as the feeling of betrayal was heavy on him, his eyes fixed on the queen. "Guards, arrest the queen," he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.
The guards hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But then, they stepped forward and took the queen into custody, leading her away in chains.
The king turned to his ministers. "I want to discuss this matter further in my throne room. Let us adjourn to there and decide the best course of action."
The ministers nodded and followed the king out of the investigation ground, leaving Susan and the investigator behind. The rest of the guards dragged Susan back to prison, while the investigator retired to his office to handle other matters.
In the throne room, the king slammed his fist on the table. "How could she betray me like this?" he exclaimed. "I thought she was my loyal wife, my partner in ruling this kingdom."
The ministers looked at each other nervously, unsure of what to say. One of them, the oldest and wisest, spoke up. "Your Majesty, perhaps we should hear her side of the story before we make any decisions."
The king nodded, his anger slowly giving way to reason. "Yes, you are right. I want to hear what she has to say for herself. Bring her to me."
Silence swept the whole room as the king's throne room was filled with an air of gravity with the ministers gathered around him, their faces somber and concerned. Lord Ravenswood, a man known for his sharp wit and unwavering loyalty, spoke first.
"Your Majesty, permit me to say, but hearing the queen's side of the story will not be necessary as the queen's confession is a clear act of treason. According to the law of the land, the punishment for such a crime is death."
Lord Stormwind, a burly man with a stern expression, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Your Majesty. To show mercy would be seen as weakness. The people must see that you will not tolerate such betrayal."
Lady Nightshade, her eyes glinting with calculation, added her voice to the chorus. "Furthermore, Your Majesty, this presents an opportunity to strengthen your position. A royal selection should be arranged, allowing you to choose a new wife who will bring stability and loyalty to the throne, and also bear you a child."
The other ministers murmured in agreement, their voices filling the room with a cacophony of assent.
The king's face was a mask of turmoil, his eyes torn between his love for his wife and his duty to the kingdom. "But she is my wife," he protested. "This is not as easy as you think it is."
Lord Ravenswood's expression was unyielding. "That may be, Your Majesty. But the law is clear. Treason cannot be tolerated, no matter the perpetrator's relationship to the throne."
The king's shoulders slumped, the weight of his decision bearing down on him. "Very well," he said finally. "Prepare the execution grounds. The queen will face the consequences of her actions tomorrow."
The ministers bowed, their faces solemn, and began to disperse. Lord Stormwind remained, his voice low. "Your Majesty, perhaps it would be wise to ensure the queen's... cooperation. A public execution will require her to be composed."
The king nodded, his eyes avoiding Lord Stormwind's. "See to it."
As the ministers departed, the king's thoughts turned to the queen, imprisoned and awaiting her fate. He wondered if he had the strength to carry out the sentence, or if his love for her would stay his hand.
Meanwhile, in the dungeons, Queen Lili sat in darkness, her heart heavy with sorrow. She knew her fate was sealed, and that soon she would face the ultimate punishment. But she had no regrets, for she had acted to protect Susan, her loyal maid.
The door to her cell creaked open, and a guard entered, his face expressionless. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice firm. "The king has ordered your execution. You will be taken to the execution grounds at dawn."
Queen Lili nodded, her eyes dry. "I am ready."
At midnight, King Erian tossed about in his bed, unable to sleep, he rose up and made his way to his throne room.
The chief eunuch, Theophilus entered the throne room swiftly and bowed to the king who paced about the whole room restlessly.
The king's voice echoed through the throne room, "Bring my wife to me." The guards hesitated, unsure of what to do, but eventually, they departed to fetch the queen.
Queen Lili was led into the throne room, her chains clanking on the stone floor. She knelt before the king, her eyes cast downward. The king's expression was a mix of sadness and anger.
"Leave us," he commanded, his voice firm. The guards and eunuchs departed, leaving the king and queen alone.
The king helped the queen to her feet, his touch gentle. "Why, Lili?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why did you seek help from those... abominable gods?"
The queen sobbed, her body shaking with grief. "I wanted to bear you an heir," she said, her voice cracking. "I know how much the ministers want me out of my throne, and I desperately need a child to keep my position. For our marriage, our happiness, and our reign."
The king's expression softened, his eyes filled with compassion. He too had been verbally disagreeing with his ministers on the matters concerning the queen's barrenness and her dethronement.
"But I won't let anyone take your throne," he said, his voice firm. "I promise you that."
The queen's sobs intensified, her tears falling like rain. "Do as the law demands, my Lord," she said, her voice barely audible. "I have no regrets. At least I tried everything. I love you... and... I'm sorry that I couldn't bear you a son, my king."
The king's face contorted in anguish, his eyes welling up with tears. He knew that he couldn't save her, not now. The law was clear, and his ministers would not hesitate to see her executed.
"I love you too, Lili," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I will delay your execution for weeks. I need time to think, to find a way to save you."
The queen's eyes locked onto his, a glimmer of hope flickering in their depths. But it was too late, the wheels were already in motion. The king's delay would only prolong the inevitable.