Astral Prison was located within the Supreme Court, but was not under its jurisdiction. Those held there were typically the worst offenders, members of royal families, or influential officials.
Being sentenced to Astral Prison often spoke volumes about the severity of one's crime. Few were ever released unscathed.
Zoey could only hope for a sentence of exile. At least that might spare their lives. She had sent Cedric to train with Travis for this very reason—so that he might develop a strong enough body to endure the harsh journey to their place of exile, with hopes of returning to the capital once the pardon came.
As long as they survived, she had plans for the future.
On the other hand, Viola could hardly believe what had befallen her. She had been peacefully residing at the family's countryside villa when guards from the Royal Citadel arrived to take her away. She had been thrown into Astral Prison without explanation.
At first, she was in a daze. Only when Evelyn rushed to her, sobbing uncontrollably, did she ask, "What's happened? Why are we here?"
Evelyn was too overcome with emotion to reply coherently.
Viola looked around at her family, a growing unease settling in her chest. She raised her voice, "What's going on? They've brought me here without even telling me what I've done wrong! Where is Caspian? Where is Cedric?"
Zoey sat in a corner holding Courtney, her face blank. "Caspian and Cedric are in a different section. They've separated the men and women."
"What's happened?" Viola's panic deepened. Was this some kind of disaster for the whole family? Was there no one left to help them?
Luna's eyes were swollen from crying, and she said hoarsely, "Your eldest brother fled in battle. His Majesty issued an order to imprison our entire family in the prison. The officials from the Royal Citadel have already seized Silverstone Estate."
Viola stood frozen, as if struck by lightning. After a long pause, her lips trembled as she whispered, "But what does this have to do with me? I'm a married woman."
Zoey's voice was cold and sharp. "Have you forgotten that you're no longer married to Mr. Warren?"
"Either way, this has nothing to do with me!" Viola scrambled to push her mother away, grabbing the iron bars of the cell and shouting, "You've got the wrong person! A woman follows her husband after marriage! Even if I'm divorced, I don't live at Silverstone Estate. I don't know anything! I am innocent!"
"Zoey, you have a way out, don't you? Even if you don't care about us, you must care about your children!"
Zoey didn't even bat her eyelids. "If I had a way out, I wouldn't be here."
Viola shook her head violently, tears mixing with snot as she pleaded, "No! You and Carissa are close, aren't you? Haven't you asked her for help? Have you sent someone to beg her?"
Zoey stared at Viola for a long time before she suddenly let out a soft, almost amused laugh. "Viola, you've always looked down on Lady Carissa. Why would you want me to go beg her now?"
"I've never looked down on her! When have I ever done that?" Viola covered her face, wailing in despair. "I can't die here. This is unfair!"
"Who here hasn't been treated unfairly?" Zoey snapped.
Zoey couldn't be bothered with Viola. She hugged Courtney and turned away, not sparing Viola another glance.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Her Graceful War Song
What happens to the other chapters, I've been waiting to read more of this story, the character's and the screening are fantastic, very intriguing story...
Next chapter please, what's happening...
Very captivating novel....
Both content and context are very intriguing, the writer style of pulling out characters in their unique ways are profound,I have recommended this book because it's very captivating...