Provocative Smile

Isabel knelt on a makeshift platform, her hands, legs, and neck bound by heavy iron chains. The platform was surrounded by a circular structure with tiered seating for the common people. At the highest point sat the king and the entire council of the kingdom. Today, the gallows were packed with a crowd from commoners to nobility.

The air was thick with intense rage. Isabel could hear the curses and foul words from the crowd, all clamoring for the death of the sinner. The nobles, while not shouting for her execution, looked at her with hostility and gloating satisfaction.

Their gazes didn't affect her much; she knew many were snobbish and supporters of Queen Marie, viewing her as an illegitimate child of unknown origins. But what hurt her the most was the commoners' shouts. How could they forget everything she had done for them? She had spent most of her time helping them rather than living in the castle.

But it didn't matter who supported her or who wanted her dead. Isabel drá Ashéncrest would not succumb to their will. She would live and make sure those who wronged her would see hell. With intense rage burning inside her. Isabel lifted her gaze towards the front, where all the nobles and royals were seated.

Isabel stared directly at Queen Marie, who stood at the front with her two daughters by her side. Queen Marie noticed Isabel's hatred-filled gaze and gave her a provocative smile.

Isabel clenched her fists so tightly that the skin on her palms broke from the sheer force. Smile all you can, Queen Marie, because this might be your last chance to smile.

Queen Marie looked at the kneeling Isabel, feeling intense happiness surge inside her. Finally, the day she had been waiting for had come. The years of planning had not gone to waste.

She felt elated seeing the proud figure of Isabel bound by chains on the platform. "Perfect," she said, laughing wickedly. Both princesses beside Queen Marie wore happy expressions, eager for their rival to be sentenced to death.

"Mother, that bitch really thought she was a princess. Look at her arrogance before, and now she's reduced to a lowly criminal. She deserves it," Princess Elysia said with a mocking smile.

"Sister Elysia, why does that bitch still look beautiful even after being kept in a dark place where she couldn't see light?" Princess Thalassa said, twisting her handkerchief, jealousy clear in her eyes.

Queen Marie and Princess Elysia rolled their eyes, but still, they said, "What will she do with that beauty when her body lays in a coffin?" Princess Elysia said, and all three laughed while covering their mouths with fans to hide their amusement, knowing they had to act like a compassionate family later.

Finally, the king appeared and start walking towards the throne with his trusted aides and Grandmaster Lysander trailing behind them. The crowd instantly shouted in respect for the king and the nobles bowed their heads. The chants of "Long live the king" and "Give justice to the dragons" echoed through the gallows like a mantra.

Isabel didn't lift her eyes, She was afraid that she couldn't control her tears when she saw her beloved father. She was sure he must be broken inside seeing her like this. Neither did she want to put him in a difficult position.

King Scorvius walked straight to the throne and took a seat, he commanded everyone in a powerful voice, "Silence." The crowd instantly fell in a pin drop silence. Now everyone are in anticipation of what the king's decision would be.

King Scorvius looked at his beloved daughter, who is chained and helpless, a suffocating feeling engulfing him from inside, but he showed no remorse on his face. He had to let the crowd and nobles know that he could not show sympathy to anyone, not even his own children, or they would start protesting against him too.

The king roamed his eyes around, imprinting everyone's face in his mind who wanted his daughter dead, and then his gaze settled on Queen Marie. He looked at her with a calm face, but his gaze was so intense that Queen Marie also looked at him.

Queen Marie instantly showed a teary expression like a loving mother whose daughter was facing punishment. Her act was so convincing that even the nobles felt sympathy for her, thinking she had done everything for this child but received nothing in return. Her efforts were wasted on a bastard child.

Queen Marie felt more confident after hearing praises from the nobles and instantly made a more emotional face, trying to gain sympathy from the king. But when she looked at the king again, she felt a chill run down her back. His gaze was just too cold, and she felt so exposed in front of him.

Queen Marie shook her head. No, impossible. I have planned all this so cautiously that no one can trace it back to me.

Finally, when King Scorvius retreated his gaze, Queen Marie could breathe freely.

King Scorvius looked at the crowd and motioned to the Grandmaster to continue.

Grandmaster Lysander stepped forward. his voice ringing out clearly and authoritatively, "We have gathered here to administer justice, to uphold the laws and integrity of the Valareath Kingdom. Today, we face the grievous task of addressing the actions of Isabel drá Ashéncrest, the sixth princess of this realm."

The crowd listened intently as the Grandmaster continued, "Princess Isabel stands accused of killing her own dragon, who is the last descendant of proud Emberstorm clan. Her actions have been thoroughly investigated and all the evidence has been pointed towards the Sixth Princess Isabel drá Ashéncrest."

Grandmaster Lysander's eyes swept over the assembled crowd, meeting the gazes of nobles and commoners alike. "In these trying times, it is crucial that we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law. No one, regardless of their status or lineage, is above the law. The integrity of our kingdom depends on our ability to hold everyone accountable for their actions."