Chapter 74: Would he care if I were gone?
Cassian’s world blurred as the lashes struck his back. His body started twitching under the continuous blows. The leather whip tore into his flesh with a force that left him trembling.
Every strike sent waves of agony through him. His breathing grew shallow as he fought to stay conscious.
His face became pale with every lash. Blood flowed freely from the wounds on his back. It stained the smooth stone beneath him. He felt cold. The cold stone against his knees only added to the chill spreading through his heart.
Prince Dorian’s face appeared in his mind. It was unexpected yet painfully obvious. He thought of the prince’s sharp but gentle gaze. He remembered the deep voice that carried calm authority. These memories filled his thoughts.
Would he be sad if I disappeared? Or died?
The questions hurt him more than the lashes. Silent tears slid down Cassian’s cheeks. Regret filled his heart.
He could not help but a seed of regret start growing in his heart. The thought crossed his mind if he had never met the princess. Will the situation now be different?
Cassian had been foolish to grow close to Princess Aurelia. Her kindness had felt like a lifeline in the cold palace. It had also made him believe he could be more than a servant. He had unknowingly crossed a line. Now, he was paying the price.
A loud crack echoed through the courtyard. The crowd murmured as they watched. Cassian’s head drooped forward as his strength drained away. His vision blurred further. He wondered if he would survive the sixtieth strike or even the next sunrise.
The gathered crowd was a group of maids and servants. They watched in uneasy silence. Some maids clasped their hands over their mouths. Tears streamed down their faces as they struggled to hold back sobs. Cassian had always been kind to them. He was always a gentle person. Whenever he has free time, he would volunteer himself to help.
Now they were forced to witness his punishment. Their hearts grew heavy with sorrow. This was not just a lesson for Cassian. It was a warning for everyone. The Queen’s message was clear.