Chapter 144: Ten Feet Under
[TW: Miscarriage]
The crowd watched Princess Soleia get towed away by the guards in her wedding dress as though she was a criminal awaiting execution. The sight was simply too absurd for words, but none dared to comment on it. The fight continued, but as guards continued to stream into the already full church, it was clear that Duke Elsher’s men would not be leaving the church alive.
Bellaflor quickly spoke. "Father, I have a better idea on how to punish these ungrateful commoners that won’t sully the pristine halls of our God," Bellaflor said, a pious expression on her face. "It’s not worth dirtying holy land with the blood of these peasants, not when you can execute them in full view of the civilians later for a better demonstration of royal rule."
"I agree," Florian added. Celestina and Bellaflor shot him dirty looks from the corner of their eyes, but he pretended to be oblivious. "And to celebrate such a happy occasion, I would be pleased to marry Princess Soleia on that very day, to further highlight the differences between us and those filthy commoners. They should learn what it means to disrespect the Crown’s power."
Now those dirty looks from his cousins had turned into disgust, tethering on rage. But what could they do? Florian knew his idea would be irresistible to the King.
Unknown to him, Rafael clenched his hands behind his back, summoning trails of blood left over from the floor. He created a tiny needle and nestled it into Florian’s boot. If this man tried anything to Soleia, Rafael would make sure he paid for it with his life.
King Godwin paused thoughtfully. His oldest had a point. He might as well execute Duke Elsher and his entire household with him in one clean sweep, in full view of everyone.
Well. At least what was left of his household. King Godwin highly doubted many of his knights would survive their injuries. And with him gone, his daughter would be a widow. In the end, things worked out well. A nasty grin flitted across his face as he nodded in approval.
"Guards, imprison all of Duke Elsher’s men in the dungeons, awaiting execution!"