Saved

•• Chapter 59 ••

Keith POV

I stood next to Ryan as we watched the guards push the bounded royal family and some important men and women on the stage. I didn't want all of them to suffer because of the King and Prince stupidities, but they were all loyal to them. Since we were changing history and becoming a unified Kingdom, we needed to get rid of them. We had to eliminate all the risks of a rebellion. I had to remember myself that we were doing this for the sake of our people and our future children. Even if the war ended and that we assured that we will not oppress the Aquilam's citizens, they still refused to mingle with the Ignis people. I just hoped that one day, everyone will be able to enjoy each other's company.

The guards kicked them in the back of their knees making them fall to the ground. They were not only bounded but also gagged since they didn't stop provoking the guards, so we did it for everyone safety. Now, the leaders of the Aquilam Kingdom were all kneeling in front of the citizen from both Kingdoms. As I watched the faces of the people in the crowd, I saw contradictory emotions. Some were happy that the war ended and others were harbouring hatred toward them or us. It was to be expected. There was no real winner in war.

"What are we going to do with them?" I asked my mate when he finished talking with Mike Coffman, one of Ryan's best generals.

Both men looked at me before Mike answered, "My men talked with the aristocrats from the other Kingdom and some of them are willingly coming to us as for others, they still remain loyal the King. So, we shall punish them in their own laws."

"Death penalty is it?" I asked to confirm what I already knew.

"I know it may sound rash, but I want to put them as an example. So that no one would ever dare attack us in the future. All of them will be publicly executed of course, after you had your revenge," explained Mike as he looked at the Prince and then at me.

I looked at the Prince who was kneeling next to his father as they were both stripped of his armour and weapons. I had been longing for this day since the men nearly killed me. I wanted to make the Prince suffer and make him feel how it was to live in a world of pain and hopelessness. Killing him would be too merciful, but like General Coffman said, our future before all.

"Before killing him, I will like to see his wings being taken away. Wings are the symbol of our power and freedom, but because of him, a lot of their citizen had seen their birthright stripped away from them," I added as I thought back at the little wingless girl in that small village where I first met my mate. 

"When you say taken away, you mean that we use the same potion he gave you?" asked my mate as he scanning the prisoners.

"No, I want to cut it off without anything to soothe his pain," I spat out. "Even then, his pain won't be comparable to the pain he inflicted on others."

"Understood," Mike answered without saying anything before going to calm the crowd. The Prince was going to die anyway, so cutting his wings off wasn't a big deal.

"Are you sure?" asked my mate as he took my hand in his.

"Yes, nothing will make me change my mind," I looked at the man in the eyes as I clenched my sword with the other.

"Let me do it."

"What?"

"Please let me do it. I don't want you to soil your hand for that kind of things and if that reason isn't enough..." he took a deep breath before continuing, "Let me take care of you two."

"What do you mean?" I asked confusingly.

"I asked Zack to keep it a secret since we were at war and that stress isn't good for the baby, but... I think you ought to know."

"Baby?" I repeated in disbelief as my hand went to my flat stomach. "Since when?"

"Since you were in a coma. Honestly, when Zack told me, I thought I was going to die if I was to lose both of you that day," Ryan sighed shakily before continuing, "You're only two weeks pregnant, so you may not have noticed it yet."

"This really isn't a joke," I whispered as I put my hand in front of my mouth as I felt tears falling down my cheeks. During all these times, I was putting our child at risk. Oh God, what if something did really happen to me? No, it was okay, no if. Everything was fine now. "I'm so happy," I pulled the man's shirt to lower his height and gently pressed my lips to his.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but everyone's waiting and... Watching," said Mike which made me snap out of it before wiping my tears away.

My mate nodded and walked forward as Mike stayed by my side. Ryan started to give his speech and the reasons why these people were going to be executed. I was watching closely before the man next to me started talking to me.

"Congratulations," he cheered in a whisper which made me look at him all confused, "I'm sorry, I overheard about the baby," he gave me a sheepish smile. I blushed before thanking him. "I know it's a little out of the blue, but may I ask where are your friend and family?"

"They are all resting and... I didn't want them to see what was going to happen today," I answered as he hummed as if thinking about something profound.

I really didn't want my mother to see me cut someone's wings off. Plus, Angela was pretty injured, so it was a good thing that they both stayed home. And for Sebastian, he was dead tired. He even told me that if it wasn't in an extreme case like this one, he will not become King ever again. It took him an hour at least to finish his complaints about Ryan's job. Regardless of his protestations, he did one hell of a job. Even my mate didn't find anything to complain about.

When I heard a loud muffled scream, I sharply turned my head to only see Ryan with a sword in his hand and the Prince's wing on the other. Since the man was still bounded, he couldn't really fight back. Everyone silently watched as the King raised his sword before slashing down on the right wing. A loud pained cry could be heard through the whole area as blood was spluttering in all directions, but before the pain could dissipate, my mate took care of the other wing. When he finished, he lifted both wings up before letting it fall to the ground.

"Like this man's wings, nothing is eternal. Everything can be taken from us in a matter of seconds. So, let me warn you, no matter from which Kingdom you were born in, I'll show no discrimination. You go against the laws, you'll suffer the consequences!" Ryan paused as he looked at the crowd, "If someone has any complaints speak now or forever hold your piece!"