The Bride He Hates-Chapter 99: The Weight Of Crown

Azrael stood at his window, watching the sun rise over Thornfield. The crowd was gathering in the public square below. The executioner was preparing, and guards were leading the man to the platform.

His three children stood at the front of the crowd, held by an elderly woman, probably the orphanage matron. Even from this distance, Azrael could see their tears.

The messenger’s words echoed in his mind.

Her Majesty has begun working as an independent cooperation consultant. She is building a career separate from Thornfield.

The executioner looked up towards Azrael’s window, waiting for his signal. Azrael raised his hand. The executioner was ready to proceed but then Azreal lowered his hand. It was a signal to wait. Then he turned from the window and went down to the public square.

"Stop!" Azrael ordered as he reached the platform. "Stop the execution!"

"Your Majesty?" The executioner asked, confused.

"I said stop!" Azrael climbed onto the platform and pulled the man up from the block. "The execution is cancelled. This man is pardoned."

The crowd murmured in disbelief. The council members present looked stunned. The man stared at Azrael in disbelief.

"Your Majesty?"

"You stole to feed your children," Azrael said, loud enough for the crowd to hear. "That is still theft and illegal. But executing you for it would make your children orphans, which helps no one.

So I’ve decided you’ll work in the castle.You’ll be paid enough to feed your family and you can teach your children that there are legal ways to survive, even in tough times. But if you break the law again, there will be no mercy."

The man collapsed, sobbing with relief.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you. I swear I’ll work hard, I’ll never steal again, I’ll..."

"Let this be clear to everyone." Azrael cut him off. "I’m not ignoring justice. But justice that doesn’t consider circumstances is not justice. It is cruelty. And I’m done being cruel."

He then turned to the council members.

"If anyone has a problem with this decision, bring it to the council chambers. But this execution is cancelled now."

Azrael climbed down from the platform and walked back to the castle, leaving behind the murmuring crowd.

He had publicly reversed his own decision. According to the council, he had shown weakness. But in his opinion, he had finally done the right thing.

Because when he looked at those three crying children, he realized he couldn’t live with being the man who executed their father. He couldn’t look in the mirror and be okay with that choice.

Maybe it was growth or maybe it was just basic human decency. Either way, he had made a different choice from what a monster would have made.

The council met within the hour, and some members as expected were not pleased.

"Your Majesty, what you did in the square was..."

"The right thing." Azrael didn’t let Lord Cassius finish. "I know you disagree. But the execution was wrong."

"You publicly reversed your own judgment!" He protested. "You made yourself look weak and indecisive. That’s not how leadership works."

"Then I’d rather look weak than be cruel."

"This is Her Majesty’s influence." Another member said. "Even though she is absent, she’s still influencing your decisions." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Azreal’s jaw tightened.

"This is my decision. Lyanna has nothing to do with it."

"Your Majesty." Sienna spoke up. "I actually agree with your decision. The execution was too much. I’m glad you reconsidered."

Azrael looked at her, surprised.

"But the council disagrees." Cassius said coldly. "Your Majesty, if you continue making decisions based on sentiments rather than laws..."

"I’ll still be a king and you’ll be my council. Unless you’d like to challenge my authority formally. But I’m not going to apologize for showing mercy when circumstances call for it."

Cassius was angry, but he said nothing.

That evening, Azrael sat down to write another letter to Lyanna. Not because he expected her to come back or he thought one good decision erased terrible ones. But because he wanted her to know that he was trying.

Lyanna,

I received the report that you’re working as an independent cooperation consultant. I’m glad you’re doing the work you’ve always been passionate about, and that too on your own terms.

I’m proud of you. I know that probably doesn’t matter but I need to say it anyway.

Something happened this morning that I need to tell you about. I almost executed a man for stealing bread to feed his children. Then I heard you were building a new life, helping people. And I realized I can’t be a king who executes people for minor offences while you’re out there making the world better.

So I stopped the execution. I gave the man a job instead. The council thinks I’m weak and indecisive. Maybe I am, but I couldn’t do it.

I’m not telling you this because I expect credit or think it makes up for anything. I’m telling you because I want you to know that I’m trying to change.

I know you might never return to Thornfield. But I’m glad at least you’re being yourself, and getting the recognition you deserve. I just wish I’d realized it when you were here instead of after you left.

I don’t expect you to reply to this letter. I just wanted you to know that I understand that making me better isn’t your responsibility. I want to be better for myself.

Today’s decision was hard. Tomorrow’s will probably be harder. I don’t know if I’m strong enough to be better consistently. But I’m trying.

I hope you find the happiness and peace you deserve.

Azrael.

Three days later, he received a report from Victor. The intelligence said that Crimson Cross was planning a major attack on a border territory within a week.

Azrael stared at the report. It was his first real crisis since Lyanna left. He thought about how to deal with it.

Should I declare a full-scale war that will kill hundreds of innocents or find a way to be both strategic and compassionate?