Chương 40: The King’s Judgment

Renlin stood on the shore of a frozen lake, the water motionless as glass while the sun slowly set, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Ethan approached her in silence and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"Can I ask you something about elves?" he asked softly. Renlin smiled faintly.

"Of course, human. You can ask me anything you want".

"Why do you always move to these cold regions? Why not live in warmer lands?" Renlin remained silent for a few seconds, gazing out across the lake.

"Elves are divided into many tribes. Ours has lived in these lands for at least three centuries. We know every forest, every cave; we know where to find food and shelter even during the harshest times. Moving elsewhere would make us vulnerable". Ethan nodded.

"That makes sense". He gently kissed the top of her head.

"I'm sorry that we can only be together when we're alone", Renlin added.

"You know…they wouldn't look kindly upon our relationship".

"I know", Ethan replied without hesitation. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"But all that matters to me is spending time with you. It doesn't matter how or where". Renlin turned around, smiled and kissed him on the lips. In Virelia, inside the throne room, Oscar sat upright upon his throne. Before him passed men and women accused of all manner of crimes. A merchant was shoved forward and fell to his knees.

"Your Highness, please…I stole, yes, but I'll never do it again. I'll leave the capital, disappear, and you'll never hear from me again". Oscar regarded him with icy calm.

"You could steal elsewhere in the kingdom", he finally said.

"That is a risk I cannot allow out of respect for my subjects". He turned to the soldiers.

"Amputate his hands". The man began screaming as he was dragged away. Leah swallowed hard.

"Are they going to cut off our hands too?" she whispered.

"I don't know", Felicity replied in a steady voice.

"It's possible".

"And you're not afraid?"

"No". Leah stared at her anxiously.

"I don't understand why Xia isn't coming to save us. She could get us out of here in an instant". Felicity said nothing. The sentences continued swiftly and mercilessly: beheadings, floggings, stonings, amputations and condemnations to the underground prisons. Oscar showed neither hesitation nor emotion. Then it was their turn. A knight clad in golden armor stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, these two women are guilty of robbing and attempting to murder a young boy. They were stopped by three soldiers". He then pointed at Felicity.

"Furthermore, this woman was found in possession of two finely crafted swords". Oscar raised an eyebrow slightly and fixed his gaze on Felicity, studying her with interest.

"Is what the knight says true?" he asked.

"No, Sir…I mean, no, Your Majesty", Leah replied quickly.

"That boy was the one who robbed me. We only stopped him". Oscar looked at Felicity.

"Do you confirm this?"

"Yes", she said without lowering her eyes.

"I personally stopped the thief". The king remained silent for a moment.

"I see. For now, place them in the underground dungeons. Tomorrow, I will review this case". The soldiers nodded and escorted them away. Oscar followed Felicity with his eyes as she departed, deep in thought.