Chapter 1063
Yuna approached Yasmine and Penny, the lamp in her hand casting a soft glow. Penny, though not physically restrained, knew her fate. She wasn't afraid of death; witnessing Aurora's demise was all the recompense she desired.
"I've already told her. She's terrified," Yuna said, her gaze briefly flicking to Penny before settling on Yasmine.
"Let her experience the fear of death," Yasmine replied coolly.
"When she dies, I'll die in peace," Penny said, tears streaming down her face.
"You didn't have to die," Yasmine retorted. "We were focused on capturing Aurora, but you interfered."
Penny wiped her tears. "I don't regret it. Even if I could choose again, I would do the same."
A flicker of annoyance crossed Yuna's eyes. "You're still saying that? If you believe you've done nothing wrong, why feign regret before Her Highness?"
The wind ruffled Penny's cloak and hair. Her eyes and nose were red, but a deep resentment burned beneath the surface.
"I never wanted to disappoint Her Highness. I respect her, but I don't understand her. Prince Arthur was her brother—how could she simply let it go? Did he mean nothing to her?"
"It's for his sake! Even if the kingdom goes to war for him, it would be worth it. I believe the people would fight, even without conscription or supplies."
Yasmine responded sharply, "Let's disregard the people's willingness. Even if they would fight, do you intend to expose Prince Arthur's humiliation and suicide? We're concealing the truth to preserve his honor. Westhaven's court and the people of Starhaven believe he died a heroic death on the battlefield. But you want to reveal his capture, humiliation, castration, and suicide?"
She raised a hand towards the sky. "Ask Prince Arthur himself if he would want this."
Penny froze, tears falling anew. "Doesn't Prince Arthur's injustice deserve to be known? He was the crown prince!"
"By killing Aurora, aren't we avenging him? Some issues remain unresolved, but we'll address them later. First, we must stabilize Westhaven's political power. We can't afford court upheaval. Once secured, we can plan our next move."
Yasmine continued, her voice steady but firm, "And your grand idea—calling on the people to avenge Prince Arthur—how naive! People prioritize their families—food, security. Unless an enemy threatens their homes, they'll only fight for self-preservation."
Yuna and Yasmine said nothing more. Once someone fixated on an idea, persuasion was futile.
At dawn, Aurora was locked in a steel cage, secured in the back of an ox cart. Leroy, accompanied by officers and Lisandra's guards, oversaw its transport.
Grapevine Village and Melondrop Village—names reflecting their specialties. One was renowned for its wine, sold in Fawnrun City; the other, for its sweet melons. Once united, they had divided over time, geographically separated. Grapevine Village lay east, Melondrop Village west. Melondrop boasted extensive sandy lands, ideal for melon cultivation, attracting buyers from afar.
The villagers, descendants of centuries-old inhabitants, were humble and unassuming. Sadly, few remained. Aurora's massacre had left survivors, some hidden, some absent, but their families—torn apart, infants slaughtered—were gone. Those who lived on were vengeful spirits, driven by the need for retribution.
They formed a line, armed with kitchen knives, sickles, hoes, and clubs—anything that could serve as a weapon. Their eyes burned with hatred, their faces contorted with rage. As Aurora's cage arrived, the rising roar of the crowd hit her like a physical blow, causing uncontrollable tremors.