Her Graceful War Song

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The next day, Henry was to be executed, with Rafael serving as the supervising officer. The Capital Guard was responsible for setting up the perimeter and maintaining order.

Rafael had initially been reluctant to let Carissa attend. While Henry was despicable, he wasn’t the mastermind behind the chaos. Plus, the brutality of a beheading was not something he wanted her to

witness.

But Carissa had already seen all kinds of cruel scenes. Even if Henry wasn’t the ultimate culprit, his self- serving actions and weakness had led to the suffering of so many. He was truly guilty of unspeakable

crimes.

Thus, she insisted on going.

By early morning, the area outside the execution ground was packed with people. Since the execution was scheduled for noon, the Capital Guard hadn’t arrived early to manage the crowd, leading to a noisy scene. Vendors had even set up stalls and were selling their goods nearby.

The timid townsfolk wouldn’t come to watch, and children were strictly prohibited. Even if there wasn’t a ban, parents wouldn’t allow their children to attend.

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Yet, there was never a shortage of onlookers, especially with the prince consort’s identity drawing larger crowd. After all, seeing someone of high status executed wasn’t an everyday occurrence.

Executions were generally more frequent in the autumn, as many death sentences would be carried out after the fall harvest.

At the appointed hour, Michael arrived with the Capital Guard to maintain order. They erected ropes to ‘mark the boundaries and ensured the crowd stayed behind the line.

Henry was still at the Supreme Court, as he hadn’t yet been brought to the execution site. Before heading to the gallows, the Supreme Court would offer him a lavish meal, allowing him to fill his stomach for the journey ahead.

At first, Henry wasn’t particularly afraid. But when the food arrived, he began to tremble uncontrollably. He lost his appetite and remained silent.

Peter, the Supreme Court’s representative, came to see him off and urged, “Eat. It’s better to be a well–fed ghost than a starving one.”

As soon as Peter said that, Henry nearly lost control of his bladder.

His hands shook as he picked up his cutlery, only to set them down again. He looked up at Peter and asked, “Is…is anyone from the Marquis of Grovehill’s‘ family coming to see me?”

Peter said, “That name doesn’t exist anymore. None of the Kingsley family members came for you. I’ve told them before that they could visit you, but they’ve decided not to. They said you’re guilty of grave crimes and they don’t want to see you.”

Henry buried his face in his hands and began to sob.

Seeing this, Peter asked, “Do you have anything to say? If you can identify the mastermind behind this

life.” plot, I could plead for leniency on your behalf, maybe even save your

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Peter wasn’t willing to let this final opportunity slip away. Henry knew a lot, but was too afraid to speak. out, fearing it might Implicate his family.

Now that the Kingsley family seemed indifferent to his fate, it was a chance Peter could seize.

Henry stifled his tears, grappling with a fleeting Impulse driven by fear and anger. But he was already. accustomed to sacrificing for the Kingsley family–it was ingrained in him. He couldn’t turn against them.

Their absence was for the best. That way, they wouldn’t have any ties to him and wouldn’t be dragged

down.

He picked up the cutlery and began to eat slowly. His hands trembled so much that he could barely hold them steady, yet he still managed to shove pieces of meat into his mouth.

Seeing this, Peter realized he wouldn’t be getting any information from Henry. Nevertheless, he pressed on, determined not to give up.

“If you come forward, Prince Rafael could plead with the king to pardon the Kingsley family. You wouldn’t have to die.”

“That’s impossible.” Henry-lifted his head, managing a wretched smile. “It’s impossible because I don’t know anything.”

Henry had to insist he knew nothing at all. To have knowledge meant becoming an accomplice. At that point, his life wouldn’t be the only one to be forfeited; the Kingsley family would face extermination as well.

In the end, Henry was going to die. Why drag everyone else into hell with him?

Peter fell silent, choosing not to push further. There was still enough time. So, he let Henry eat at his own

pace.

Tears dripped onto the plate as Henry took a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears and suppress the fear of death. But the dread still filled his heart, suffocating him.