Chapter 813

The next day, Henry was to be executed, with Rafael serving as the supervising officer. The Capital Guard was responsible for setting up the perimeter and maintaining order.

Rafael had initially been reluctant to allow Carissa to attend. While Henry was despicable, he wasn't the mastermind behind the chaos. Furthermore, the brutality of a beheading was not something he wanted her to witness.

However, Carissa had already seen many cruel scenes. Even if Henry wasn't the ultimate culprit, his self-serving actions and weakness had led to the suffering of so many. He was truly guilty of unspeakable crimes. Therefore, she insisted on going.

By early morning, the area outside the execution ground was packed. Since the execution was scheduled for noon, the Capital Guard hadn't arrived early to manage the crowd, resulting in a noisy scene. Vendors had even set up stalls and were selling goods nearby.

Timid townsfolk stayed away, and children were strictly prohibited. Even without a ban, parents wouldn't have allowed their children to attend.

Yet, there was no shortage of onlookers, especially with the prince consort's presence drawing a larger crowd. After all, witnessing the execution of someone of high status wasn't an everyday occurrence. Executions were generally more frequent in the autumn, as many death sentences were carried out after the fall harvest.

At the appointed hour, Michael arrived with the Capital Guard to maintain order. They erected ropes to mark the boundaries and ensured the crowd stayed behind the line.

Henry was still at the Supreme Court, as he hadn't yet been brought to the execution site. Before heading to the gallows, the Supreme Court offered him a lavish meal, allowing him to eat before his journey.

Initially, Henry wasn't particularly afraid. But when the food arrived, he began to tremble uncontrollably. He lost his appetite and remained silent.

Peter, the Supreme Court's representative, came to see him off and urged, "Eat. It's better to be a well-fed ghost than a starving one."

At Peter's words, Henry nearly lost control of his bladder. His hands shook as he picked up his cutlery, only to set it down again. He looked up at Peter and asked, "Is…is anyone from the Marquis of Grovehill's family coming to see me?"

Peter replied, "That name doesn't exist anymore. None of the Kingsley family members came. I told them they could visit, but they chose not to. They said you're guilty of grave crimes and they don't want to see you."

Henry buried his face in his hands and sobbed. Seeing this, Peter asked, "Do you have anything to say? If you can identify the mastermind behind this plot, I could plead for leniency on your behalf, maybe even save your life."

Peter wasn't willing to let this final opportunity slip away. Henry knew a lot but was too afraid to speak, fearing it might implicate his family. Now that the Kingsley family seemed indifferent to his fate, it was a chance Peter could seize.

Henry stifled his tears, grappling with a fleeting impulse driven by fear and anger. But he was accustomed to sacrificing for the Kingsley family—it was ingrained in him. He couldn't betray them.

Their absence was for the best. That way, they wouldn't have any ties to him and wouldn't be dragged down.

He picked up the cutlery and began to eat slowly. His hands trembled so much that he could barely hold them steady, yet he still managed to shove pieces of meat into his mouth.

Seeing this, Peter realized he wouldn't be getting any information from Henry. Nevertheless, he pressed on, determined not to give up.

"If you come forward, Prince Rafael could plead with the king to pardon the Kingsley family. You wouldn't have to die."

"That's impossible," Henry lifted his head, managing a wretched smile. "It's impossible because I don't know anything."

Henry had to insist he knew nothing. To have knowledge meant becoming an accomplice. At that point, his life wouldn't be the only one forfeited; the Kingsley family would face extermination as well.

In the end, Henry was going to die. Why drag everyone else into hell with him?

Peter fell silent, choosing not to push further. There was still time, so he let Henry eat at his own pace.

Tears dripped onto the plate as Henry took a deep breath, trying to hold back his tears and suppress his fear of death. But the dread still filled his heart, suffocating him.