That sounded… merciful. But I already know what happened after such mercy.
"And told him," Lydia continued slowly, "to stand properly."
I frowned faintly. "How do you mean?"
"He kept him standing," she said.
My brows drew together. "For how long?"
"Three days."
My breath hitched. "What?"
"No food," Maria added quietly. "No water. No rest."
The water around me suddenly felt too still. "By the second day, the man could no longer feel his legs," Lydia said.
My grip tightened. "And the third?" I whispered.
Neither of them answered immediately.
"He collapsed," Maria said softly.
"And the king?" I asked.
Lydia's expression did not change.
"He acted as if nothing happened."
I stared at the water, my thoughts spiraling.
Why did he have to be so cruel?
I could not be surprised, after he cut off somebody's head, put it in a box and sent it to me.
My fingers curled slightly. "…He is worse than I thought," I murmured.
