Chapter 10: Lies

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The healers exerted their utmost efforts to heal Aurianna's wounds, yet he acknowledged the limitations of his abilities compared to the awe-inspiring restorative power possesed by a Saintess. Despite their best efforts, the lingering marks of her torture remained visible. Regrettably they found themselves helpless to further alleviate her suffering. While it was conceivable that a more thorough healing could have been achieved given more time, the urgency of the situation left them with no choice—they couldn't keep King Girsal 's summons waiting.

As Russell nervously walked alongside Aurianna, she anxiously bit her nails, walking ahead of Aurianna who was being forcefully dragged along. She was fully aware of the weight of the situation.

The two of them were being forcibly escorted to the grand hall, where they would face the imposing figure of King Girsal and his assembled subjects. In a jarring display, Aurianna was unceremoniously thrown before King Girsal and his assembled subjects.

King Girsal , seated upon his lofty throne, peered down with a mixture of confusion and curiosity at the disheveled sight before him. The rays of sunlight casting a halo-like glow behind him lent an air of magnificence, perhaps magnifying his presence and strength beyond his true nature.

With a derisive tone, he scoffed, "What is the meaning of this?!"

General Huns, Russell's father, bellowed with anger, "Your majesty, this is the treacherous Saintess Aurianna!"

"Yes, I am aware," King Girsal retorted, his eyes narrowing with intensity. "But what I truly seek to know is the identity of the audacious culprit responsible for this outrage. Who dares to disfigure my own daughter?"

King Girsal struggled to recognize her in the state she was in, taken aback by the severity of her condition. General Huns, aware of the imminent danger facing him and his daughter, let out a nervous chuckle. He understood the dire need to present a convincing argument, for failure to do so could result in swift and severe consequences.

Clearing his throat, he began, "Well, your majesty, you see... my daughter resorted to such drastic measures because she believed that the Saintess was employing her beauty to ensnare the hearts of the people to escape."

King Girsal 's eyes widened in disbelief, but quickly gave way to an overwhelming fury. "Outrageous! Guards, since she had the audacity to do such a thing, slash her face! Inflict as much pain as possible!"

Russell cried out, bowing deeply before King Girsal , her body fully prostrated on the ground. "Your majesty, I beg for your forgiveness."

King Girsal 's rage remained unyielding as he bellowed, "I am certain that my orders were crystal clear! Guards!"

"Your majesty, I humbly beseech you to show mercy towards my daughter," General Huns pleaded, dropping on one knee.

Disregarding General Huns, King Girsal extended his hands dismissively. "Take her away!"

"Your majesty, I beg your forgiveness... I am truly sorry," Russell sobbed as she was forcibly taken away, her voice filled with remorse and desperation, but not regret.

King Girsal 's gaze fell upon Aurianna, her body adorned the multitude of cuts and bruises that marred her delicate frame. She alarmingly appeared frail, as if her very life force had been drained through the numerous injuries inflicted upon her. With his heightened senses King Grisal frowned the possibility of poisoning loomed, further tarnishing the purity of the Saintess's blood. Russell had irreversibly tainted the pristine essence of the Saintess. Surprisingly, after two weeks of consuming her blood, King Girsal himself experienced a remarkable transformation, appearing rejuvenated as if he had reverted to his youthful prime. Curiously, however, no one dared to question the source of his rejuvenation.

One of the guards present in the room, who had accompanied General Huns, cautiously raised his hands in a pleading gesture. "Your majesty, I implore you to calm yourself. I firmly believe that Russell's actions were driven by a sincere desire to safeguard the welfare of our people. The Saintess has proven to be a threat to your reign and the stability of our country."

Upon hearing these words, King Girsal slowly raised his own hands, causing the knights who had restrained Russell to come to a halt. With his hand resting against his chin, he commanded, "Continue."

The guard seized the opportunity to expand upon his previous statement, speaking with unwavering resolve. "I reiterate, sire, that while Russell's actions may have overstepped certain boundaries, they were undertaken out of necessity to acquire vital information."

Another guard, distinguished by his more elaborate armor, rose and offered a deep bow. "Your majesty, I must respectfully disagree with him and everyone's behavior. The Saintess has not posed any threat to the country. Thus far, we have only heard baseless accusations without any substantial evidence. Moreover, she has saved numerous lives and maintained harmonious relations with the other races, playing a crucial role in preserving the country's equilibrium."

Aurianna's heart skipped a beat upon recognizing the voice. It belonged to her personal knight, a steadfast companion who had always been by her side. He had embarked on an extended journey four weeks prior, around the same time she and the heroes confronted the Demon King. In the midst of this adversarial situation, it was heartening to know that he remained steadfast in his support.

General Huns interjected hastily, his words pouring forth with urgency. "With her captivating appearance, she has ensnared her own brother and the heroes. Who's to say she cannot sway the entire population, inciting them to turn against you?" The general's rapid speech prevented Aurianna's loyal personal guard from fully conveying his plea, the words barely registering in the King's mind, to make an impact.

The King placed his hand against his chin, deep in contemplation. "I understand," he murmured, his expression revealing a complex mix of thoughts as he pondered the contrasting perspectives presented before him.

A heavy, tension-laden silence enveloped the room, the collective anticipation palpable as all present awaited the King's verdict or even a glimpse into his thoughts. Aurianna's palms grew damp with sweat, her heart pounding in her chest. The oppressive stillness threatened to unravel her composure.

Finally, the King broke the silence, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "Saintess, do you confess to colluding with the demons against Sandeph?"

Aurianna's voice quivered as she responded, her words carrying a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "I... I do not confess... I would never betray this country." Despite the ordeal she had endured, a flicker of hope burned within her, an ardent desire for her words to be believed.

She continued, her voice strained and hoarse, each word a testament to her resilience. "I had always loved, cared for, and desired nothing more than to protect our people. The well-being of this country was my utmost priority."

As she finished speaking, Aurianna couldn't suppress a painful choke, her throat raw from the torment she had endured. Waves of agony still coursed through her battered body, a stark reminder of the brutality she had suffered.

General Huns growled with accusatory frustration. "Still denying!"

Gritting her teeth, Aurianna met his gaze, her eyes ablaze with defiance. "I would never betray this kingdom. But even if, hypothetically, I had... what would I have gained? I already possessed power and wealth within these walls. Conspiring with demons would have not only jeopardized my position but also put everything I have built at risk."

Aurianna found herself met with a sea of hostility in the room, with only her personal guard and a few others standing behind her showing looks of pity and pain. Hatred emanated from most of the onlookers, while others seemed to be mocking her with their icy stares. The coldness in their eyes sent shivers down her spine, as she could sense the presence of both contempt and greed. However, amidst the piercing glares, it was the intensity of General Huns' gaze that weighed heaviest on her, filled with a sense of betrayal.

In disbelief, Aurianna gasped, struggling to comprehend the situation. "I don't understand... Why would all of you turn against me like this? Have you forgotten how I saved your wife, General Huns? Or the countless lives I rescued during one of the most devastating pandemics in our history?"

In response, King Girsal abruptly rose from his throne, commanding the attention of every person in the room. His stern voice cut through the tension, silencing the murmurs and whispers that had filled the space. "Enough! I will not tolerate anyone challenging my authority. Whether my daughter is guilty of these crimes or not is irrelevant. Russell has dared to lay her hands on a member of the Royal Family, and for that, and she shall pay with her life. Guards, I have already given you your orders: execute her! Or do you wish to face the same fate?"

The King's piercing gaze swept across the room, each person feeling the weight of his anger. The near-successful interference by Russell threatened to undermine his carefully laid plans, and he would tolerate no further defiance. The room fell into a tense stillness, the gravity of the situation sinking in for everyone present.

"O-of course not, your majesty." proclaimed the knights and began their dirty work.

The room was filled with a chilling silence as the knights carried out their gruesome task. The sickening sound of spears piercing her body resounded, her agonizing screams echoed through the chamber, staining the pristine marble floor with her blood. General Huns could only watch in horror as his daughter's life was mercilessly taken away before his eyes.

With a lifeless thud, her body collapsed onto the unforgiving cold surface.

Having witnessed the brutal execution, King Girsal displayed a twisted sense of satisfaction. "Our Royal Family is not to be trifled with, to the extent that a mere noble dares to administer punishment. This serves as a reminder of our power and authority, that no one must dare to cross," he declared, his voice filled with a chilling resolve. However, he swiftly moved on, disregarding the gruesome scene that had unfolded moments ago. "Now, as for the actual matter at hand..."

Disregarding the recent atrocity that unfolded before his very eyes, hero Kent interjected, determination lacing his words. "Your Majesty, I must protest. Aurianna is not innocent. I swear upon my honor as the chosen Hero that she has betrayed us!"

King Girsal welcomed the hero's involvement in this orchestrated charade, a faint smile playing upon his lips. "We shall see," he responded, his tone laced with a hint of intrigue. "My daughter, if you are truly as innocent as you claim, then you need only perform the miracle of bringing this girl back to life. It is widely known that the Saintess can only wield her powers as long as she remains aligned with the humans. If she were to betray us, she would lose her abilities."

The King's words hung heavy in the air, challenging Aurianna to prove her innocence in the most impossible way. The fate of her life and reputation now rested upon her ability to perform an impossible miracle in the face of mounting hostility and disbelief.

To King Girsal, the truth held little importance compared to the satisfaction of Aurianna's inability to comply with his demand. He was well aware that she had lost her powers.

A surge of emotion threatened to overwhelm Aurianna, her voice trembling with despair. "I... I cannot fulfill your request, father. It's true, I have lost my powers."

King Girsal's expression twisted into a satisfied grin. "Is that so?" he sneered. "Aurianna, I am deeply disappointed in you. Despite all that we have done for you, you have chosen to betray us. Therefore, I have made my decision. You shall be subjected to the harshest punishment. Your royal titles and privileges are revoked, and you shall be treated as a traitor deserves. You will languish in prison until the day we have dealt with the church, and then you will be burned alongside the remaining members."

Confusion and disbelief etched across Aurianna's face as she gazed up at her father. "What does the church have to do with this?"

"They have dared to challenge my authority, plot to seize control of my country and even dare to overthrow me—-"

Her voice, laced with defiance, interjected, abruptly halting his words.

"Lies! Those are nothing but lies, Father. You just want to eliminate them because you know they won't sit back and watch while I'm unjustly executed," Aurianna asserted, pausing momentarily to compose herself. She struggled to hold back her tears as she continued, "I always believed we were a happy family, yet when my brother committed the heinous act of violating me, you turned a blind eye and now accuse me of seducing him? Do you honestly believe such an absurd accusation?"

"Absolutely," King Girsal replied firmly.

Aurianna couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. "How ridiculous! And why on earth would I do something like that?"

"You did it to manipulate your brother, to ensure he would aspire to the throne, my throne. A woman like you, with loose morals, has no right to tarnish the reputation of the imperial family," the King retorted, his words dripping with disdain.

Overwhelmed with emotions, Aurianna felt her heart break. Tears streamed down her face as she silently questioned herself, 'Am I really to blame? Am I truly... a woman of loose morals? But I have never done anything...'

Defeated and crushed, she trembled as she spoke, her voice laced with resignation, "Why, Father? Is it just because Ralph is the only son your only surviving so ? Even if that's the case, do you really have to go to such extreme lengths for this moron? He can barely handle the responsibilities of running a town, let alone rule an entire friggin' country! Sandeph would crumble into pieces if you make him King!"

Despite her fervent desire and pleas for a response, King Girsal averted his gaze from Aurianna. He walked towards the window situated behind his throne, peering out onto the country below. With a sigh of resignation, he waved his hand dismissively, as if attempting to cast aside the entire matter. "Escort the Saintess back to her cell. She shall remain there until the day of her execution arrives."

Some individuals present in the throne room couldn't contain their smug satisfaction, their faces reflecting their delight. However, Aurianna's personal guard stood beside her, seething with anger, his fists clenched tightly. Even though he had just lost his foolish daughter, General Huns let out a chuckle before placing a reassuring hand on the guard's shoulder. "Well tried, my dear fool. We emerge victorious."

Ding!

Just as the knights began to approach Aurianna, an unmistakable aura emanated from her being. General Huns observed the perplexing sight before him, his brow furrowing in confusion. "I thought she had lost her powers! What is this?"

General Huns regarded the scene before him with confusion. "I thought she had lost her powers! What is this!?"

Sadly, his assessment remained accurate. Contrary to the anticipated attack expected by him and many others in the room, a crystalline tear fell from Aurianna's eye. It struck the ground, producing a distinct clinking sound, yet it remained unbroken.

The crystal's solid state, preserved even after colliding with the floor, served as a undeniable proof to its exceptional quality.

A hushed silence fell upon the room as all eyes fixated on the exquisite white crystal resting on the ground. The people marveled at the singular beauty of the crystal, more tears cascaded from Aurianna's eyes, transforming into glistening crystals rather than tears. Each crystal held a mesmerizing allure, its pristine purity and intricate engravings distinguished it as something beyond ordinary. It shimmered and twinkled, casting a spell over all who beheld them. Time seemed to stand still as the ethereal gems descended, captivating hearts and minds

However, as the enchantment took hold, a sudden rush of excitement surged through the officials. They instinctively lunged forward, vying to claim the crystals before their peers or even King Girsal himself could intervene. They sprinted forward, driven by their greed and desire. One particularly zealous individual led the charge, breathless with anticipation.

In an attempt to regain control and restore order, King Girsal raised his hand, signaling the guards to quell the escalating commotion. "Guards, put an end to this chaos!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the fervor that had gripped the room.

However, one of the guards named Raynold, unable to resist the allure of the crystalline treasures accumulating on the floor, reached out and grasped a handful of the gleaming crystals. He turned to King Girsal, an apologetic expression on his face, as he marveled at the radiant gems in his hand. "I apologize, Your Majesty, but just look at them! These are the most magnificent jewels I have ever beheld. Their beauty is truly unparalleled."

But before he could finish his words, Raynold's agonizing screams pierced the air, the room descended into chaos and horror. The crystals, once coveted for their beauty, now transformed into nightmarish thorn-like spikes that sprouted from his body, overtaking him in an instant. The guard's life was snuffed out, transforming him into a grotesque sculpture of crystal, frozen in eternal torment.

Witnessing this gruesome fate, the other officials recoiled in terror, hurling away the crystals they had eagerly grasped moments before. Yet, their frantic efforts proved futile, as the crystals began to sprout from their own bodies as well, encasing them in a macabre crystalline prison. Desperation filled the air as their cries for help went unanswered.

Attempting to salvage the situation, King Girsal hastily ordered the nearby guards to aid the afflicted officials and free them from their crystalized state. But their attempts were in vain. The guards too succumbed to the crystalline curse upon touching those affected, freezing in their tracks as their bodies transformed into lifeless crystal sculptures.

The heroes, filled with fear and disbelief, trembled at the horrifying spectacle unfolding before them. They stood paralyzed, unable to comprehend the extent of the mysterious magic at play.

In a voice laced with desperation, King Girsal shouted at Aurianna, seeking answers and a way to reverse the terrible magic that had befallen them. "Aurianna, what magic have you cast on them? Free them!"

Aurianna, still struggling to regain her senses, pleaded her innocence, her voice filled with confusion and helplessness. "What magic, Father? I'm blind so I don't understand what just happened. I'm innocent!"

King Girsal let out a disdainful scoff, striding purposefully toward where Aurianna knelt. "Cease addressing me as 'father,' for you are no longer my daughter!"

He came to an abrupt halt in front of her and leaned in, his voice lowering to a hushed tone as he confided in his former daughter.

"You are merely an unidentified child I discovered within a peculiar pod during one of my journeys," King Girsal confessed, his gaze fixed upon Aurianna, who, despite her sightless and glazed eyes, displayed an expression of disbelief, even though her eyes were now clouded and devoid of sight.

'I am... not truly his daughter?' Aurianna's voice trembled, her words quivering with shock. "But... if I am not biologically related to you, why have I resembled you and Mother all my life?"

"I was initially unable to ascertain whether you were a creature of monstrosity or a miraculous blessing. When I first laid eyes on you, you were the most beautiful infant I had ever beheld. Your hair shimmered like pure crystal, and your eyes were a vivid shade of an aquamarine. Upon encountering us, you began to adopt our physical traits, transforming to resemble us but now you barely resemble me or your annoying mother," he paused before continuing, "At first I believed you to be a divine blessing bestowed upon us by the goddess, but now I find myself leaning toward regarding you as more of an infernal presence."

Aurianna knelt there, her world unraveling, utterly astounded by her father's revelation. With each passing moment, her reality fractured further, leaving her adrift in a tumultuous sea of confusion and despair.

___________

Aurianna found herself confined within the cold walls of her cell, her mind consumed by relentless thoughts as the world around her seemed to have forgotten her existence. Following King Girsal's orders, the guards who had managed to evade the crystalline fate were tasked with returning her to the cell, ensuring that no one dared to trespass. However, amidst his commands, there was no mention of reconsidering her punishment, extending an apology, or acknowledging her true lineage as his daughter.

In the dimness of her confinement, Aurianna lay lost in contemplation. Was her very existence a mistake, an unfortunate twist of fate? What transgressions had she committed to warrant such intense animosity? Why had the tides of favor turned against her so suddenly? How could her once-loving family transform into heartless monsters who thirsted for her demise? Her world had been upended, and she struggled to fathom the reasons behind such cruel twists of destiny. Was it solely the influence of Paige, or were there other hidden forces at play? Amidst this convenient moment of self-reflection, one question persisted, haunting her thoughts: If not the royal bloodline, who were her true parents?

But her musings on these weighty matters were abruptly interrupted as the tranquility of her cell was shattered by the creaking sound of someone unlocking the door.

"Oh, isn't it my dear elder sister Aurianna," a voice of a little girl chimed in, but Aurianna's weakened state confined her to the corner of her cell, rendering her unsure of the speaker's identity.

"Ugh, she looks so filthy, keep your distance, Nigie," commented a woman with a tone of repulsion.

"Well, it seems that all this time you weren't really related to her," another voice joined the conversation.

"No need to feel any pity for her, Venassa. She deserves this, the dumb brat," another lady sneered with unmistakable disdain.

Aurianna's realization hit her like a cruel blow. Her own sisters had come here to torment her, likely reveling in the knowledge that her impending death drew near. One last act of cruelty before I depart, she bitterly thought. They had always been like this, never able to find common ground or foster any semblance of sisterly bond.

"But the accusations thrown at her seem so random. It's unfair, Blade!" Venassa's voice carried a trace of pity, a glimmer of empathy amidst the hostility.

"What do you expect? She willingly allowed herself to become a pawn in father's discarded game," sighed Nigie, the clinking of iron bars accompanying her words.

"What do we do with her maids then?" Nigie asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

"Kill them," Blade responded sharply, her anger palpable. "They were the ones who influenced Ralph to pursue Aurianna and spread false rumors about her to her fiancé. I have no tolerance for those who betray their masters."

"Let's leave. This is a reminder that we must never be foolish within our own family," Blade declared, the iron prison door closing behind them with a resounding thud.

"I'm sorry, Aurianna," Venassa's voice carried a touch of sorrow as she bid her farewell and departed.

Tears streamed down Aurianna's cheeks as she listened to the words of her sisters. Amidst the pain and betrayal, she found solace in Venassa's lingering care, however small it may be.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly for Aurianna, though in reality, only a few hours had passed, when she heard a gentle knock on the iron bars of her cell.

"Aurianna?" a familiar voice called out, causing her to tremble with a mixture of fear and resentment.

That voice—Cindy's voice—was all too familiar. She stood before Aurianna, her hands trembling, clearly taken aback by her current state. "I... I wanted to talk to you."

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