The capital guards escorted Evelyn, Zoey, and Viola up to the execution platform. Evelyn's legs trembled, and she couldn't muster any strength. Her tears flowed uncontrollably, blurring her vision to the point that she could no longer see clearly.

"You foolish boy!" Evelyn let out a mournful cry, raising her hand and slapping Oliver's face. "You've disgraced your grandfather and your father! How can you face them in the afterlife?"

Her slap lacked force; even as she exerted every ounce of her strength, Oliver barely felt the sting. Caught in a whirlwind of panic, Oliver's mind raced. Seeing his mom before him, he seemed to have found a lifeline in a stormy sea. He cried desperately, "Mom, save me! Please save me!"

Evelyn, near exhaustion from her sorrow, could barely speak. "You've committed an unforgivable crime! How can I save you now? His Majesty once showed favor to you-how could you betray such grace?" "Mom, I know I was wrong! I know it now!" Oliver cried, tears streaming down his face. "Please, I beg you, save me!"

Standing nearby, Zoey heard Evelyn's words and felt a heavy weight lift from her chest.

Throughout their journey, they had discussed this moment. Each word spoken by Evelyn would reach Salvador's ears. If it pleased him, then Caspian and Cedric, who were exiled to the Southern Frontier, might return soon. But if Salvador found it displeasing or upsetting, the two might never return to the capital.

While Evelyn was heartbroken, she knew how to weigh her words carefully.

Zoey methodically unpacked the food from the box, setting out the meal and a flask of wine. Turning to Oliver, she said somberly, "Though our bond as husband and wife has ended, I will see to your mother and children. You may go in peace."

Oliver lifted his head, his gaze filled with resentment. "You still dare to come? You're a disgrace—a woman who sold herself for fame! You don't deserve to be called my wife!"

Zoey looked back at him, her eyes calm and unwavering. "Yes, we are no longer married. From this day forward, you will walk your path in the shadows, and I shall walk mine in the light."

"You wretched woman!" Oliver shouted, his fear now transforming into rage.

His outburst was loud enough for the crowd to hear. The people, already stirred by the spectacle, began

to murmur in judgment. They cursed Oliver for his betrayal and sympathized with Zoey. She had borne his children, managed his household, and served his family-only to be left with such a fate.

Zoey stepped aside, silent, not a word more to say.

Gathering what little strength remained, Evelyn turned her fury onto Oliver. She scolded him for betraying Salvador's favor and for his cruelty toward his wife and children. The more bitterly she reproached him, the more fiercely her tears fell.

Celeste, standing off to the side, didn't look at them. Her eyes began scanning the crowd, searching for a familiar face.

Was there no one to see her off as she approached the end of her life?

As she scanned one stranger's face after another, the disappointment in her eyes deepened. Was it truly the case that no one had come for her?

Tears welled up suddenly,

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uncontrollably. What if, all those years ago, she hadn't killed her mom? What if she hadn't left the capital and had instead joined the other women at the nunnery? What would her life have been like then?

Back when choices had seemed impossible, Celeste believed that once she gained control over her fate, she would live better than anyone else.

But now that she could make her own choices, why did things turn out so miserably?

The time for the execution was set for three in the afternoon.

As the hour struck, another prisoner's cart arrived. Randall, the warden of the Supreme Court, led

Nicholas, Yuvan, Harvey, Clifford, Wayne, and others to the execution grounds.

Salvador had not yet dealt with them, as there were many local officials involved in their crimes, and he intended to eliminate them all at once.

Nicholas was still trying to shift the

blame onto Hayden. He refused to admit his guilt, even after multiple interrogations. Despite Clifford and Wayne testifying against him, he wouldn't budge. Even when tortured, he remained stubborn. He insisted that he would bear the blame for his dad's actions, speaking endlessly of his supposed devotion.

Salvador had ordered them brought here today, not only to witness the execution but to tear the mask of hypocrisy from Nicholas' face.

After Nicholas saw Clifford captured, he knew there was no chance for him to turn things around. Only death awaited him.

Death didn't frighten him anymore-what he feared was the dishonor of being labeled a traitor.

But now, as he was brought to the execution ground, his legs went weak and his heart raced at the sight

of the executioner's large blade resting on the man's shoulder. The fear crept over him like a tide, drowning him in terror.

He suddenly realized that death was not just a word, nor merely an end. Death had a process, and it was that process that made it truly horrifying.noveldrama

At three in the afternoon, the platform was cleared. Evelyn, overcome with grief, fainted. Viola had to carry her away.

Zoey held the food containers and

positioned herself near the front of the crowd. Her gaze fixed on Oliver and a complex sorrow filled her heart not for Oliver, but for the fact that he had been her husband and the father of her children.