King Robert got straight to the point.
Unlike some, he's not looking forward to the execution. Though it must be done, he was greatly uncomfortable with the idea of sentencing a lady from the powerful house of Del Montague to death. There was no telling what complications may arise from this in the future. He would have opted for another punishment; life in prison would have been sufficient.
Unfortunately, the Pope was adamant that Lady Felicia Viviane Del Montague be made an example of. Despite being king, Robert could not simply override the demands of the Holy Man who was revered across the kingdom.
Additionally, his own son and Crown Prince had vehemently cursed the condemned woman and demanded that she be given the capital punishment.
Looking at her frail form now, kneeling before them and bound in chains, it was difficult for him to believe that she was truly guilty of so many vile things.
He tried to match her crimes to the little girl he once knew. It made no sense. Her mother's face flashed across his mind, further increasing his guilt.
The evidence had been presented. Witnesses too. Too many prominent figures who spoke so unfavorably of the little lady's character. And now he must do his duty for the betterment of the kingdom and for the continued harmony between the royal family and the church. Blast it!
Adopting a cold tone to mask the uneasiness in his heart, King Robert gave his verdict. "There is no reason to prolong this unpleasant business, so I will be frank. Felicia Viviane Del Montague, I hereby denounce you as the Crown Princess of the kingdom of Elysium! The crimes which you have chosen to commit against your own family as well as my own son are reprehensible! Enough to have you stripped of your noble title and thrown into the dungeons for the remainder of your life! Unfortunately, that is not to be! You crossed the final line when you dared to attempt to murder your own step-sister! Our Saintess! The punishment must fit the crime and by my order a witch such as yourself will not be allowed to live!"
The king paused to gather his thoughts.
The entire hall was dead silent.
A sudden breeze smacked Felicia's red hair into Dixie's face. She blew it away, her entire body trembling.
The king continued his verdict. "I cannot believe a lady such as yourself bears the prestigious title of Del Montague! You have brought nothing but misery and shame upon your household!"
King Robert had been about to add in that she was also guilty of murdering her mother, but caught himself. That incident had been very suspicious and he still did not fully believe that it was an accident caused entirely by Felicia's carelessness.
Murmurs spread through the crowd. All in full agreement with the king's assessment.
The Pope stood up, his presence imposing, and gave his two piece. "The Saintess is a holy being....."
Dixie abruptly collapsed. The fatigue from being made to kneel for so long finally overwhelmed her. The wooden block fell off her shoulders as she struggled to her feet.
A intense wave of dizziness hit her the moment she stood upright.
She took a more thorough look over her body.
How was she going to convince them she's not guilty? She was already at the chopping block and no one had come down to the dungeons to speak to her after she was arrested.
The knights are on full alert, even though she wouldn't be able run properly with her ankles and wrists chained together.
"You cannot escape your punishment, young lady. Whatever ideas you have in your mind, it's best you discard them. Accept your fate." The Pope calmly advised her.
Dixie spun in a full circle, wary of the armed men eyeing her like prey. "This is the result of a scheme! I am not guilty of anything! I never tried to kill Helena or anybody else!"
The Pope smiled amicably. "There is far too much evidence that paints you as guilty, young lady. Repent and accept your fate, for the Goddess will show you mercy."
Dixie could barely speak properly from how dry her throat was. Felicia had not been given any food or water in the last two days after her incarceration. "I wish to be shown mercy now. I am not guilty! No one has even asked for my sid--"
"Silence! We have many witnesses who can testify that you harmed the Saintess greatly!"
Dixie looked in the direction of the new voice.
This was the final chapter of the book.
She remembered it word for word.
It was the Crown Prince. His royal highness, Prince Constantine Elliot Cromwell.
And the woman in his arms was none other than the demoness who pretended to be pure. Felicia's step-sister and the declared Saintess of the Elysium, Helena Sweetzel Del Montague.
As always when in the company of others, Helena had an innocent and gentle expression plastered on her face.
Dixie, seeing the face of Felicia's biggest tormentor, instantly grew angry. She knew Helena was enjoying this. In the books, Helena had watched Felicia burn with an expression of malicious triumph on her face.
"You are enjoying this aren't you, Helena? Seeing me burn will give you great satisfaction, won't it? The culmination of all your years of slander has finally bore the ripest fruit, hasn't it?"
Helena's eyes grew wide and teary. "No! Sister, I never wished for this! It pains me too! I am so sorry! Please forgive me!" She burst into tears and cried hysterically.
Dixie grimaced at her performance.
Everyone else was greatly enamored by it. How kind hearted was the Saintess to be this upset that the woman who had done nothing but abuse her, even going so far as attempting to murder her, was going to die?
There had never been a Saintess more pure and gracious! Goddess Kartara had truly blessed them.
Prince Constantine pulled Helena's face into his chest and kissed the top of her head. "Hush now, my love. Do not shed anymore tears over this monster."
He pinned Felicia with a hateful gaze. "Tie her up and burn her! We will not listen to this shameless witch spout her nonsense!"
"The witch spouting nonsense is in your arms!" Dixie spat out.
The previous knight approached her and began to drag her back towards a pyre. Another knight stepped forward with a flaming torch.
King Robert and Duke Roelle looked away.
Duchess Tyren and Helena smiled with anticipation.