I will show mercy.

Isabel and Mirael stood by, their hands clenched in helpless fury. They knew intervening could make the situation worse, but they couldn't just stand by and watch this cruelty unfold. The crowd was silent, their faces a mix of horror and fear.

With every lash, Isabel felt her resolve harden. She looked at Mirael, who nodded, understanding her unspoken determination. They couldn't let this continue.

As the knight raised his whip for another strike, Isabel and Mirael stepped forward, placing themselves between the knight and the cowering figures on the ground. Isabel's voice rang out, clear and strong despite the fear gnawing at her heart.

"Stop this at once! This is inhumane and unjust!"

The knight hesitated, looking to Princess Thalassa for instructions. The princess's eyes blazed with anger at being defied. "How dare you interfere?" she snarled. "You have no authority here!"

Mirael spoke up, her voice calm but firm. "Your Highness, this punishment is excessive and cruel. This woman meant no harm. She was only bringing joy to the market."

Thalassa's face twisted with fury. "You dare to question my judgment? Guards, remove these insolent fools and continue the punishment!"

But before the guards could act, a new voice cut through the tension. "What is the meaning of this?"

All heads turned to see a tall figure striding towards them, his presence commanding and authoritative. It was General Kaldor Kyriakidis, a high-ranking noble. His eyes swept over the scene, taking in the singer's battered form, the knight with his whip, and the princess's furious expression.

"Lord kaldor," Thalassa said, trying to regain her composure. "This is none of your concern. These commoners were causing a disturbance."

Lord kaldor's gaze hardened. "A disturbance? I see only an act of cruelty. This market is a place for all citizens to gather in peace. Your actions are a disgrace to your royal title."

Drá's face flushed with anger and humiliation. "You overstep your bounds, Lord Kaldor."

Perhaps," he replied coolly. "But I will not stand by and watch such injustice. Release these people at once."

Reluctantly, Thalassa motioned for her knights to stand down. She did not want to show him her cruel side, as she was afraid of her sister's wrath. One wrong move could make them more distant, and she knew her sister would be upset. She could not risk that.

She knew her status was higher than General Kaldor's and she could insist on her decision, and he could not question it. But she didn't want to make the matter worse. She needed to maintain a semblance of dignity and control.

With a forced calmness, Thalassa addressed the crowd. "Let this be a warning to all. Disruptions will not be tolerated. However, in light of recent events, I will show mercy."

Turning to her knights, she ordered, "Release them and ensure they are taken to the healer."

As the knights moved to help the battered singer and her companion, Thalassa fixed Isabel and Mirael with a hard stare. "Consider yourselves fortunate today. But do not mistake this for weakness."

General Kaldor stepped forward, his presence a shield between the princess and the young women. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your...mercy."

Thalassa clenched the reins so hard that her knuckles turned white. Her eyes blazed with anger as she looked at General Kaldor, who stood protectively beside Isabel and Mirael. She knew he typically cared little for the affairs of commoners, yet today he had publicly intervened, humiliating her in front of the entire market. She would remember this.

Her gaze shifted to Isabel's jade-like face, and a wave of jealous fury surged within her. She was certain it must have been this bitch who had summoned the general, manipulating him with her innocent facade. Thalassa's mind seethed with thoughts of retribution. She would ensure that Isabel paid dearly for this humiliation.

The princess turned abruptly, her silk robes swishing around her as she made her way through the market, her entourage scrambling to follow. As she walked, her thoughts churned with malicious intent.

She would inform her sister, the third princess, of Isabel's insolence and make sure this commoner disappeared from Drakendale. The idea of a mere commoner vying for the favor of General Kaldor, especially against her sister, was intolerable.

Isabel watched Thalassa leave, her heart pounding with residual fear and adrenaline. She could feel the weight of the princess's hatred but knew there was no turning back. She and Mirael had done the right thing.

General Kaldor turned to them, his stern expression softening slightly. "You were brave to stand up to her. Not many would dare. You did well."

Isabel nodded, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "Thank you, General. We couldn't watch such cruelty unfold."

Kaldor looked at Isabel, his eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and curiosity. He couldn't decide whether to praise her bravery or laugh at her naivety. In his experience, stepping up for helpless people who couldn't protect themselves was often a fool's errand. He knew that standing against royalty was nearly a death sentence, and yet this young girl had willingly put herself in harm's way.

"Why bother," he thought, "to step forward for these people?" In his mind, the death of one or two commoners wouldn't have much impact. But this girl had acted on principle, not pragmatism. Kaldor couldn't help but be intrigued by her courage, even if he saw it as reckless.

He had been at the inn on business when he spotted Isabel. If he hadn't intervened, the situation could have escalated dangerously. He shuddered to think what might have happened to her; perhaps she would have joined the singer in receiving lashes.

"You showed remarkable courage," Kaldor said, his tone more thoughtful now. "But remember, the world is not always kind to those who stand against power."

Isabel met his gaze, her determination unwavering. "I understand, General. But if we don't stand up for each other, who will?"

Kaldor's eyes narrowed, but a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Perhaps you're right," he conceded. "But be careful. Princess Thalassa is not one to forgive easily."