The King's Queen

Chapter 26

The tension grew exponentially as you all stood by the hill top over looking the valley, most of it originating from you and your uncle as you grew more and more tense.

However, your anxiety was scarce for once in your life, something you mentally thanked Sukuna for. His words, though insensitive and somewhat convoluted gave you confidence that you would prevail in saving your sister.

Though a little speck of insecurity was still nestled in the recesses of your mind, pessimism has always been a close enemy to you after all.

The snow clad ground crunched beneath your feet as the cold wind harshly blew through the land, the storm that had started last night made good cover for your group of five. "On my signal the three of you will run down the hill," Toshihiro stated as he crouched down whilst looking at the white waste land, a large estate could be seen in the centre though you silently questioned how he could see so well despite the weather.

Grabbing onto his wooden bow and arrow, he prepped the weapon by placing the arrow by the string before straining it back.

Everyone held their breath in anticipation, even Sukuna and Takehito who had viewed the whole ordeal with nonchalance tensed up. For a completely different reason as they were more invested in their bloodlust than saving someone they saw as weak.

Without your knowledge they had both read the letter and they thought of your sister as weak willed_____ which was ridiculous since the normal man when faced with his death would cry.

"Where's the executioner? Shouldn't he know what punctuality is in the face of her ladyship." Katsu, one of the replaced ladies-in-waiting for Hou Shunzhi Jinshu, berated the imprudent fool as she stood beside a wary guard who tried to explain why the executioner was taking so long. They had prepared everything for the grand spectacle for her ladyship but now this fool of an executioner dared to make the lady wait.

The venue was arranged richly such as the status of the Lady, expensive clothes, sophisticated guests, delicious food and elegant music. Due to the turn in weather, the lady had arranged for a large shade to cover her guest and herself from the unkind weather. Pits of coal glowed bright red contrasting the white background placed next to the nobles for warmth.

It looked as though it were just a simple gathering for the rich and noble class, not at all an execution by língchí for a young woman. Everything had been prepared for the grand spectacle, all that was left was the executioner, the blade and the criminal.

The lady let out a dissatisfied grunt as she sat beside her husband____ who remained indifferent to the slight hinderance_____ within the throne area that separated them for the lower nobles that had come to enjoy the fruits of his wife's insanity. "Blasted man, he will be next after this. That I swear." He rolled his eyes at the quiet fate his wife had promised the unfortunate man.

The sound of clanging chains drew his attention elsewhere from his wife's ramblings as he caught the sight of the supposed criminal his wife had taken in. The Lord felt a pinch of pity at the sight of the girl, a young woman who even despite her thin body and sunken eyes stood tall as she was guided towards the podium just outside the shade that over looked the crowd of the rich pigs that had decided to come.

His wife grinned as she took in her pitiful state, she wished she could cackle at her form but that would be un-ladylike so she decided on just enjoying the moment silently. "The executioner is still not here." He let out a huff of satisfaction, the Lord had victoriously wiped that ugly smile off his wife's face.

How he wished he was away at battle once again than here, lamenting on why he decided to play along with his spouse's whims.

Finally after what felt like an eternity for his spouse____ which was only about ten minutes____ the man of the hour tripped into their peripheral view. The Lord raised an eyebrow at this, 'Why is Chunwen doing the execution?' The lord narrowed his eyes in apprehension at the sight of the younger boy he always saw running around the palace halls, clumsily bumping into everything and just making a mess of everything____ even though he was covered head to toe in a black garb, he was very recognisable.