Mara, who had stood nearby throughout the entire interaction, was left stunned into silence by the kind of people Elka’s parents truly were. Cruel, ruthless, and utterly indifferent to their daughter’s well-being, they seemed incapable of caring for anyone but themselves. She could hardly comprehend the audacity they possessed, the sheer gall to harass Elka so relentlessly, even now. The thought alone made her stomach churn.

Gently, Mara placed a comforting hand on Elka’s shoulder and guided her toward a nearby chair. She helped her sit before remaining at her side, her expression dark with disbelief and anger.

"They don’t care what happens to me," Elka continued, still in shock. Her voice cracked beneath the weight of years of hurt and disappointment. "They never did. I’m not their daughter to them. I’m just another tool. And if I’m no longer useful..." She was struggling to control her emotions. "They’ll burn my life to the ground to save themselves."

For the first time since this entire debacle began, Elka fully understood the terrible reality she had spent years trying to deny.

Her parents would rather see her destroyed than allow her to walk away from them and knowing now left a hollow ache in her chest, sharper than any insult or blows her father had ever thrown her way. No matter how far she traveled or how much of her old life she left behind, they would continue reaching for her so long as they believed she still had something they could use.

Each visit from them chipped a piece of her soul.

Ragnar should have received her letter by now but she was still yet to receive a response from the palace. And with every passing day, she was running out of ways to stop her parents.

***

Laheir sat chained within his dank dungeon cell, his back straight against the rough stone wall. It was small, much like the cell Nheera was confined in, with only the faintest traces of light filtering through. Even after being imprisoned for months, covered in grime and bound in iron manacles, his posture still radiated arrogance. His cold eyes showed no trace of fear, only self-importance and the unshakable belief that he remained above all of this.

He had grieved his brother’s death in this very cell but he refused to show weakness even when his life felt uncertain.

The sound of heavy boots echoed through the corridor, pulling him back to the present. Moments later, the iron door creaked open and a guard entered, holding an oil lamp in one hand. Flickering orange light spilled across the cell.

"Today is the day," the guard said grimly. "Your final trial begins. The king awaits."

Laheir rose slowly to his feet, the chains around his wrists and ankles rattling with every movement. He looked down at the guard with open disdain, as though the man was beneath notice.

As they stepped out of the cell, a second guard stood waiting nearby. His eyes burned with pure hatred as he stared at the disgraced noble. After a tense silence, the man spat at Laheir’s feet.

"I hope you and your whelps scream for mercy that will never come," he growled. "My family lost everything to your cursed rebellion. Homes burned. Children slaughtered. Entire villages wiped from the map. Die knowing their blood is on your hands, you worthless traitor."

Laheir regarded him with icy contempt but offered no reply. There was no hint of remorse in his demeanor as he walked past the guard, still maintaining the air of superiority that clung to him.

The walk through the palace halls was long, yet Laheir carried himself with pride, refusing to shuffle despite the weight of the chains dragging at his limbs. Servants and guards alike paused to watch him pass. Some glared openly. Others whispered among themselves. None showed him sympathy.

When they finally entered the grand throne room, sunlight streamed through the towering windows and bathed the chamber in light. Rows of nobles filled the hall, their eyes fixed upon the prisoner with open contempt, the only reaction expected from them when in the presence of a criminal.

His three sons were already there, standing in the center of the room with chains around their wrists. Ragnar sat upon the throne, his expression hard as carved stone, while Falein Tomar stood on one of the steps leading up to the dais. Beside Ragnar, Circe sat on her ornate throne. Even heavily pregnant, she still held herself with lethal grace, her sharp eyes watching Laheir imperiously.

The room fell silent as Laheir took his place beside his sons.

Falein Tomar stepped forward, his voice ringing clearly throughout the chamber.

"Laheir Tavish, Yannick Tavish, Baldric Tavish and Giles Tavish. You all stand before His Majesty King Ragnar and Her Majesty Queen Circe, charged with funding a treasonous rebellion, conspiring with the traitor Queen Nheera Osbourne, and being complicit in the murder of the former king. The evidence against you is clear, undeniable, and overwhelming."

He paused briefly before continuing. "Do any of you have any final words before your sentence is passed?"

Laheir remained completely silent, staring straight ahead with cold defiance. His sons followed his lead, refusing to speak.

In the past, Ragnar had stood in this same position, as he awaited the king’s justice while Laheir looked on with satisfaction. How the tables have turned.

Falein inclined his head toward the dais where Ragnar sat quietly watching the proceedings.

"The court awaits your judgment, Your Majesty." He said and as he did, the entire throne room became silent as the courtiers waited eagerly for Ragnar’s verdict.

Ragnar leaned forward slightly, making sure his voice carried effortlessly through every corner of the hall.

"For the crimes of treason, conspiracy, and regicide, I strip Laheir Tavish and all three of his sons of every title, right, and privilege. Their lands, holdings, and wealth are hereby forfeit to the crown. Their name will be erased from every noble record within this kingdom." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

He allowed the weight of the sentence to settle over the chamber before delivering the final judgment.

"And for their betrayal of this kingdom and its people, I sentence Laheir Tavish and his three sons to death by beheading. The execution will take place before sunset today."