Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1396

After Evelyn finished crying, she didn't say much. However, she stubbornly insisted on going to deliver Oliver his final meal. Her eyes were swollen and her voice was thick with congestion, nearly a rasp.

"I know the court allows family to see their loved ones before execution," she said, her tone strained. "I don't want anything else—just this one thing. I need to see him and make sure he's fed. I don't want him to die hungry and become a vengeful spirit."

Tears began to fall once more as she cast a tearful glance at Zoey. "You have children, too. You should understand what it means to be a mother. To the world, he may be seen as the greatest of villains. But to me, he will always be that helpless child that hasn't changed."

Zoey remained silent for a long moment, then finally said, "Mother, do you know how the final meeting is arranged? It is at the execution ground. Are you sure you want to see him getting decapitated?"

Evelyn trembled, her body shaking with emotion. "You must beg Lady Carissa. I will go to the prison to see him."

Jessica let out a sharp laugh. "Is it really so simple? Just ask Carissa, and she'll grant your request?"

Zoey's face was grim as she responded, "I can't ask her. It doesn't matter what Lady Carissa says. His Majesty has already ordered Oliver's execution. The one overseeing the beheading won't be her."

Through gritted teeth, Evelyn spat, "The execution ground... I will go. I cannot allow him to die with an empty stomach."

"Mom, he won't be hungry. The prison will prepare a lavish meal for him before the execution. They'll even give him wine," Viola said.

"It is not the same," Evelyn insisted stubbornly.

Zoey fell silent.

Camila grabbed Jessica's arm, gently pulling her toward the door. "Let them figure it out on their own. It's fine as long as it doesn't escalate any further."

On the day of the execution, the sky was clear and bright, the air crisp and fresh. The heat of summer had passed, and the winds carried with them the unmistakable chill of autumn.

Since Augustus' reign, there had been no executions by Torso Cleaving. So, when the two prisoners were sentenced to such a fate, the entire city flocked to witness the event. Many didn't understand the difference between Torso Cleaving and beheading, but there were always those willing to explain.

The criminal would be severed at the waist, and they wouldn't die immediately. Their eyes would still see and their mind would remain aware—aware enough to witness the horror of their body split in two. They would also feel every agonizing second of it. The pain and fear the criminal would experience in those final moments was unimaginable—a torment beyond words.

Zoey and Viola supported Evelyn as they blended in among the crowd, where the air was thick with gossip and speculation. Some spoke with excitement, their words laced with an unsettling thrill.

Embezzling military funds and deserting his post in battle—not only had Oliver betrayed his kingdom, but his actions also almost ruined the land the soldiers had fought so hard to reclaim.

Zoey looked up, watching as the Supreme Court officers brought Oliver and Celeste's prison carts into view.

The sight of Oliver, shackled and haggard, struck Evelyn with the force of a dagger to the heart. She faltered, her strength gone. All she could do was mutter, "Oh, my son…"

They squeezed their way to the front, where Carissa exchanged a few words with Matthew. Matthew glanced at the crowd and gave a small nod in response.

Carissa sent Michael to pass a message to Zoey—once the criminals were led to the platform, they would be allowed to approach for the final farewell and to feed the criminals. However, Zoey and Viola were to accompany Evelyn to the platform to ensure nothing inappropriate was said.

Salvador had granted Zoey a residence. Though they could have eventually afforded one themselves, the king's gift carried a weight that others would respect. In the future, Cedric and Courtney would not suffer from contempt, nor would they be looked down upon.

When Oliver was dragged up to the execution platform, he was so terrified he nearly passed out. He trembled and soiled himself, his body a mess.

Celeste fared no better. After everything that had happened in prison, she had convinced herself that she wasn't afraid of death. She had accepted the consequences of her choices.

However, no amount of mental preparation could quell the terror that gripped her as she saw the executioner's gleaming blade resting ominously on his shoulder.