Three Days Later - Cathedral Plaza
The execution platform stood in the center of the plaza. Ten feet high. Solid oak. Three chopping blocks arranged in a row. Three executioners in black hoods. Three axes sharpened to mirror shine.
The crowd filled every available space. Thousands of people. Nobles in their finery. Merchants in their best clothes. Commoners pressed shoulder to shoulder. All here to witness justice.
Public executions were rare. Reserved for the worst crimes. Treason. Regicide. Patricide.
Today, the kingdom would see all three.
Draven stood on the raised dais reserved for nobility. Duke Valerius beside him. Elise on his other side, wearing the official robes of the Dowager Duchess. Behind them—the rest of his harem, positioned as advisors and companions.
All watching. All waiting.
The cathedral bells tolled. Noon. Time.
High Justice Thorne appeared on the platform. Voice magically amplified to carry across the plaza.
