As I fell, ten thousand bolts of celestial lightning shattered my powers, nearly cleaving my phoenix form in two.
Remembering this, I pressed my forehead lower, prostrating myself in supplication. What courage did I have left to resist? How
many lives did I have to spare?
The celestial handmaidens in the hall began to whisper.
“Look at her. A princess of the Conclave, brought to such a miserable end.”
“It’s her own fault for being so greedy, for daring to think she could marry the Prince.”
“His Highness and Lady Lyra are a perfect match, destined by the heavens. What does she have to do with it?”
Celestials have keen senses. Aurelius heard them, but said nothing.
I remained bowed, not daring to lift my head. My body trembled as I swore an oath, word by painful word. “Your Highness, it was my
foolishness, my delusion. I am awake now. I will never again presume to covet you.”
*1, Rhea, swear to the heavens, I will never again harbor improper thoughts for the Crown Prince!”
“And I sincerely wish you and my sister a blessed union, an eternity of love.”
I peeked up, offering a placating smile, praying he would finally let me go.
Aurelius sneered. “If it weren’t for Lyra’s kindness, for her begging on your behalf, do you think you would have ever been allowed
back?”
“You two are sisters, born of the same mother. Lyra is as benevolent as a saint, while your heart is as black as a demon’s.”
ve returned after your punishment, but a few mortal lifetimes was a pittance. You still need to suffer a little more, to truly
Chapter 1
learn your lesson.”
11:59
At the word “suffer,” I began to shake uncontrollably. The matron of the Abyss brothel used to say the same thing when I was diso-
bedient.
Fear paralyzed me. I crumpled to the floor, my face as white as paper. “No, no, I beg you! Please don’t punish me again!”
“I can leave the Celestial Realm forever! I’ll become a mortal! Just please, no more punishment!”
But Aurelius saw only another pathetic performance. “Is this a place for you to speak?” he commanded coldly. “Guards! The Lady
Rhea has shown disrespect to the Crown. Three hundred lashes!”
These were not ordinary lashes. A single strike from his enchanted whip could shatter my phoenix bones. The lieutenant carrying out the sentence, clearly acting on another’s orders, aimed every blow at my old wounds, carefully avoiding any fatal injury, leaving
me in a state of living death.
pas
a
bloody ruin, one leg broken. I began to crawl, inch by painful inch,
When it was over, I was alone in the great hall. My body
toward my own palace.
Behind me, a stark, crimson trail stained the pristine marble of the Citadel of Eternal Light.
