Chains bound their wrists, their former luxurious look, which the citizens were used to, was also gone. Now they were just prisoners.
The former king walked first, his wife followed, the prince then the princess.
Atheline observed the royal family. There wasn't even one resistance, pleading, or panic. They all seemed exhausted and had given in to their fate.
The crowd reacted immediately. Shouts filled with accusations and insults erupted. Years of frustration finally finding a target.
The prince flinched, the princess lowered her head, the former queen remained expressionless and the former king continued walking.
The new king raised a hand. Gradually the noise diminished and the square fell silent.
His voice carried across the city.
"Today marks the end of one chapter."
No one interrupted.
"The kingdom suffered."
His gaze swept across the crowd.
"We all suffered."
The silence was a kind of reassurance to the new king. They were all listening to him.
