CHAPTER 183: TIME FOR PUNISHMENT

Eve tried her best not to cry in front of Prince Stefan. She just let him say what he wanted.

"Eve... I know it’s too late for us to receive your forgiveness. But I hope... that someday... we can still be family."

Eve looked up, meeting his gaze. She shook her head and said, "I don’t think it will be possible. Your mother and our sisters will never accept me as part of your family. But I’m not closing the door for the possibility of you becoming my friend."

Prince Stefan bobbed his head, understanding their situation. He shouldn’t have assumed that things would return to normal after this.

"What are you planning to do with my mother and our sisters?" Prince Stefan asked her expectantly. He was still concerned about their well-being.

"I will be stripping you and others of the status of a royal family. You will live as a commoner. Despite the gravity of your mother’s crime, I won’t kill her. I assure you that. So you don’t have to worry about me beheading her. I have a different plan for her. But I can’t tell you right now."

Prince Stefan fell silent. He had already accepted their fate. If this were a retribution, he would never complain.

"I will announce everyone’s punishment after my coronation," Eve said, informing him.

"Okay, Eve. I understand. But please spare the family of my wife. She and my son have nothing to do with this." Crown Prince Stefan begged her.

"I know. They are innocents. I will not harm them or your wife’s family," Eve replied.

"Thank you, Eve."

After talking to her brother, Eve proceeded to her father’s pavilion. King Solomon had been sulking inside his chamber. He was still regretful of what he did to Esmeralda.

It did not take long before the guard announced the presence of their new Queen, Eve. King Solomon stepped closer to the door, opening it to meet his daughter. Eve and Gideon came to his view.

"My daughter," there was a trace of longing in his tone. King Solomon immediately grabbed Eve, pulling her into a hug.

Eve and Gideon hadn’t expected King Solomon to do that. Gideon quickly pushed him away from her, afraid that King Solomon might do something to her. Of course, they didn’t trust anyone, aside from General Artemis.

General Artemis was a good friend of King Arthur, so Eve chose to trust him. Aside from that, he was Alaric’s former master. He showed genuine concern for Alaric. He wished to save him.

"Forgive me if I startled you. I just wanted to hug my daughter. I’m so glad she is alive." King Solomon explained his actions.

"Please come inside," he invited them in. He wasn’t offended by Gideon’s interference. He understood that Gideon was just trying to protect Eve from any potential harm... including him.

King Solomon just stared at his daughter for a long moment. He couldn’t help but think about Esmeralda. He reminisced about his moment with her.

"Eve, I know I can’t justify my past actions. But believe me... I love your mother for real. You can hate me all you want," King Solomon said, feeling disheartened.

"I’m here to tell you the punishments for your wife, Queen Amara. I’m just thankful that you didn’t make things difficult for me. You even stepped down for me. You surrendered easily."

"Because I deserved this." King Solomon lowered his gaze, clenching his fists. "Your mother’s death will always become my nightmare. I have so many regrets."

Eve didn’t say a word. She just listened to him as King Solomon acknowledged his mistakes and shortcomings, leading to Esmeralda’s death.

"You may bestow any punishment on Amara. Her life is in your hands now—I have no objections," King Solomon said sincerely.

After witnessing the full events of that tragic night, he had begun to resent Queen Amara. He would never forgive her. However, he was aware that it was all his fault. He was the one who betrayed Queen Amara’s love. But his betrayal couldn’t justify her reason to commit a crime.

"I will cooperate with you in the upcoming coronation. You don’t have to worry. You can reveal everything to the public so that the people of Averion can hate me. With that, they can easily accept you as the new ruler of this kingdom. I know you will become a great leader with a kind heart. Protect this kingdom and its people, my daughter. You can be the greatest queen." King Solomon gave her his blessing as the former king. He wished her all the best in this world.

"Eve, my daughter..." He faced her, holding her shoulders. "You deserve to be happy. Forget about those unpleasant memories. Live your life to the fullest."

Eve bobbed her head. "I will do that, Father."

She was satisfied to see her father reflect on his mistakes and regret his actions. However, King Solomon was not exempt from the punishment. He would face the consequences of his actions.

Meanwhile, at the servant’s quarters, Princess Aliyah and her loyal guard, Gerard, started discussing their plan. They planned to attack Eve and kill her during her coronation.

"We must kill her, Gerard! Can you do that for me?" Princess Aliyah asked him as she cupped his face.

"Yes, your highness. I will do anything for you. I’ll kill your enemies. I will obey your command."

"Good. I’ll give you a reward, Gerard," she leaned closer and kissed him on the lips.

Gerard was stupefied for a moment. He didn’t expect Princess Aliyah to do that.

"Now, go and make some preparations. Find out the flow of the coronation," she commanded him after breaking the kiss.

"Y-Yes... I-I shall leave now, Your Highness," Gerard responded while blushing.

Princess Aliyah could only smile while brushing his lips using her fingers. Gerard immediately left to follow her command. He became more motivated to do his task, looking forward to his reward.

*****

At Kingdom Eldara...

Crown Prince Cassian and his troops finally arrived at the palace. They were welcomed by King Constantine and the Queen.

"Oh, I’m glad you are back! You managed to rescue Sylvana this time!" The Queen said as she approached the two.

King Constantine also joined them, congratulating his son. On the other hand, Princess Thalia remained in her spot, secretly observing her brother.

’Did my brother learn about my involvement in Sylvana’s disappearance?’ She pondered to herself.

"How about Chancellor Igrin? Did you manage to rescue him? Where is he?" Princess Thalia asked her brother.

She was clueless that Prince Cassian was aware of her plan to conspire with Chancellor Igrin.

"No. We haven’t seen him,"

he lied.

Princess Thalia didn’t know how she would react. She became more anxious. Chancellor Igrin promised her that he would help her ascend the throne once her father stepped down.

However, there was no sign of Chancellor Igrin. She wondered if their plan was still on the right track. Several weeks ago, she received a letter from Igrin.

He told her that he was still waiting for the reinforcement. King Zaraki of Kingdom Zephyra had agreed to lend him manpower, sending an army back to Eldara.

She had been waiting for his new update, but

Chancellor Igrin suddenly stopped sending her messages.

’Oh my god. Did something bad happen to him? Perhaps, King Zaraki changed his mind to provide us with support.’ Princess Thalia bit her lip, trying to calm herself.

She just hoped that her brother didn’t find out about her betrayal.

"Thalia, come with me to my quarters," Prince Cassian said in his neutral tone.

Not suspecting him, Princess Thalia nodded, forcing a smile.

After bidding goodbye to their parents, Prince Cassian and Princess Thalia headed to his quarters. Sylvana followed them.

Upon reaching the prince’s quarters, Prince Cassian dismissed everyone, including the royal guards. The only people left were Sylvana, Princess Thalia, and him.

"Shut the door, Sylvana," he commanded in his stern, cold voice.

"Brother, what’s going on here?" she asked him in confusion.

’Why do I feel like I am stuck in a lion’s den? Why is my brother staring at me as though I am his prey?’ Princess Thalia gulped hard nervously.

"Thalia, my dear sister, I really wonder how ambitious you are," Prince Cassian said, sneering at her. He traced his steps toward her.

Princess Thalia’s heart pounded against her chest upon seeing her brother’s devilish smile.

’Damn! He knew something!’ She wanted to run, but it was too late.

Prince Cassian’s huge figure loomed over her as he captured her, pinching her jaws.

"I can’t believe that a weak princess like you is trying to steal what is mine. How dare you stab me in the back, Thalia?!"

Thalia’s face turned pale. She was at a loss for words. She was scared of her brother.

"It’s time to punish you for coveting the throne, conspiring with the traitors, and putting Sylvana’s life in danger. I won’t be forgiving to you, my little sister."

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