Chapter 815

When they arrived at the execution ground, Henry was dragged out and forced to kneel in the center. A burly figure, the executioner, stood beside him, holding a gleaming blade. The sight of the blade panicked Henry; he found it difficult to remain kneeling and desperately scanned the crowd for help.

The noise around him was deafening, yet all he could hear was his own heart pounding. It felt like a drumbeat, threatening to burst from his chest.

He didn't see Rafael, the official overseeing the execution, but faintly heard the prince's voice. He tried to turn, to catch a glimpse of the man, but a board tied to his back prevented it. All he saw was the executioner's disgusted expression as he covered his nose.

At that moment, Henry realized he had lost control of his bowels. The sheer terror felt like a venomous snake burrowing into his skin. He was beyond terrified.

Finally, he spotted a familiar face in the throng. A wave of relief washed over him, and his voice, hoarse and tremulous, escaped, "Chaya…!"

Hayden stood at the edge of the crowd with the plump woman beside him. Chaya's dark eyes were fixed on Henry. Their gazes met, but she seemed entirely indifferent to the fear and joy radiating from her father. Her expression was devoid of emotion.

"Do you want to give him something to eat?" Hayden asked Chaya.

"I think he's had enough to eat," she replied.

Hayden nodded. "Yes, they usually serve a lavish meal at the Supreme Court before beheadings, but do you have anything you want to say to him?"

Chaya pondered. "Can I go up and talk to him?"

"You can deliver a last message."

"Then, there's something I want to ask him."

"Let's go. I'll take you to meet the supervising officer. He's my nephew, so he won't mind my 'old man scent'," Hayden chuckled.

"I don't mind your smell either. I just think you're old," Chaya retorted, following Hayden.

Her outfit was flattering today, making her appear more full-figured than heavy—an appearance that exuded a certain prosperity.

Hayden led them to the execution platform and said to Rafael, "She wants to ask the soon-to-be-beheaded man a question."

Rafael glanced at Carissa, who nodded. "I'll go with you."

While there wasn't much affection between Chaya and her father, she had been sent with Hayden. Carissa's presence would prevent any trouble.

"Alright, I appreciate it, Commander Sinclair," Chaya said, understanding the need to avoid problems.

Chapter 815 +25 BONUS

As they approached, Chaya added, "I just have one question. I won't take up much time."

"Sounds good!" Carissa replied. She didn't ask what the question was and simply accompanied Chaya.

When they reached the execution ground, Chaya knelt before Henry and stared at him. Henry's lips moved as he tried to process her presence; excitement bubbled within him.

"Chaya, you came to see your dad! You came to send me off, right? You're here to collect my body, aren't you? Oh, Chaya, you're such a good girl."

Chaya shifted back slightly, using a handkerchief to cover her nose. "I'm not here to collect your body. I just want to ask you—what does it feel like to be facing execution? Are you scared?"

Henry froze, staring at her as if bewildered. "What?"

"I don't know if I'll be dragged into this, but if I am, I might face the same fate. So, I thought I'd come and ask how you feel about it. I need to be mentally prepared."

Henry's chest heaved; his face turned ghostly pale. "You…"

Chaya lowered her handkerchief. "Do you believe in karma? Mom said doing bad things comes back to haunt you, and that it can affect your children. Being your daughter is my misfortune."

With that, she stood and turned to Carissa. "I'm done. We can go."

Henry let out a mournful wail. "No! This isn't what I wanted!"

Carissa hadn't expected such an offhand remark. As they walked back, she said, "You won't be executed."

"I know that. I just wanted to taunt him a bit. My mom and I both loathe him. He ruined her life." Chaya shrugged. "I didn't choose to be his daughter, but I didn't have a choice."

Chapter 816