Chapter 4 The Fall Before the Rise

The crowd had become a storm of voices-shouting, roaring for the of Queen Seraya to be executed.

King Kael stood motionless on the platform, hand still raised.

The sword of judgment was in his grip. Yet he couldn't bring it down.

He looked at Seraya-tattered, pale, broken in form, Her chin was lifted, eyes locked with his, not in defiance... but in truth. he couldn't bear to kill her.

In that moment Kael's heart was confused.

But Eshara stepped forward quickly, her voice sharp and venom-laced, "My king, the people weep only because she has deceived you and whosoever deceive you deceive the people.

"Enough."

The square fell silent.

He looked out across the sea of people, nobles, rulers, soldiers-then finally, to Seraya.

"Seraya of Kezara," he began, voice like stone, "you were once queen of this realm. But your name is now stained with suspicion. I have shown wrath... but today, I show restraint."

He drew in a slow breath.

"You shall not be executed."

A wave of silence swept through the crowd.

But then his words cut ice.

"From this day forward, you are no longer queen, nor noble. You are to live among the palace as a slave. You will serve within the very halls you once ruled. And if you endure... then perhaps the gods may ease your pain and grant u an early death."

The crowd murmured in confusion, outrage.

Seraya closed her eyes. She felt the weight of those words.

Eshara stared in disbelief. She stepped toward Kael, whispering sharply, "she ruined your trust, you should fufill the heart of the people and execute her.

Kael's eyes snapped to her, he said nothing, turned and left the platform.

Behind him, Seraya was dragged away in chains-not toward the gallows, but toward the servants' wing.