THE SHIELD THAT HURTS

CHAPTER.15

The next day, Naehi was dragged before the king, her body battered and bruised from the beatings she had endured. Her sackcloth was stained with blood, and her eyes were sunken with despair.

As she stood before the king, Naehi's mind was filled with thoughts of her loved ones. She longed to see Lady Nahum again, to kiss Crown Prince Zoe one last time, and to play with her friends in the palace. Tears streamed down her face as she thought about her fate.

"How I wish I could wish Lady Nahum goodbye," she thought to herself. "How I wish I could kiss my love once more. How I wish I could play with my friends again. If I were to be born again, I wish I wasn't born into this family. I wouldn't have been killed unjustly like my father. I wish I didn't fall in love with Prince Zoe. I wouldn't have ended up like this."

Just then, the king's voice cut through her thoughts. "I hereby order Naehi's execution," he declared, his voice devoid of pity.

The court erupted into chaos, but Naehi's attention was diverted by the arrival of Lady Nahum. Everyone was shocked to see Lady Nahum dressed in a criminal's sackcloth, her eyes sunken with grief.

Lady Nahum walked sluggishly towards the king, her head bowed in submission. "Your Majesty, the King, please release Naehi. She's totally innocent of this crime. I was the one who poisoned Crown Prince Zoe."

The court fell silent, with everyone staring at Lady Nahum in shock. Queen Ghoifaes thought to herself, "How foolish of her to lie about herself. She must be trying to protect Naehi."

Queen Khieyan, on the other hand, felt a pang of admiration for Lady Nahum. "So pitiful," she thought. "How can Head Maid Nahum risk her life for Naehi? This is indeed a true love."

The king's face turned red with rage. "Head Maid Nahum, how dare you lie against yourself? How did you kill my son? No matter what you say, I will kill Naehi for her crime, not you!"

Lady Nahum stood tall, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Your Majesty, this is what I'm willing to sacrifice because of your failure to investigate properly. Naehi is a child I've lived with, my adopted child. I brought her up properly, and I won't let her die. That's why I'm willing to sacrifice my life."

Lady Nahum's voice cracked with emotion as she continued. "My king, please... after my death, please be strong. Please do not hold grudges against my daughter. And please, this is my last request... approve Naehi's wedding. My king, please announce my execution."

Naehi's eyes widened in horror as Lady Nahum hugged her tightly. "My king, please... Lady Nahum is innocent. Please do not announce her execution."

But Lady Nahum just held Naehi closer, her eyes streaming with tears. "My child, please... let me go. I'm willing to die for you."

"Naehi, please be strong," Lady Nahum whispered, her eyes filled with tears.

But Naehi was beyond consolation. "My woman, please don't leave me!" she wept, her voice cracking with emotion. "Please, I'm ready to do anything you say. Please, my lady, I will not marry Prince Zoe again."

Lady Nahum's face contorted in a mixture of sadness and determination. "Naehi, it's too late now. Please, take good care of yourself and live happily. Marry whoever your heart chooses."

Naehi's eyes widened in shock as Lady Nahum revealed a shocking secret. "Crown Prince Zoe had already begged me to lay down my life for your love. So, please, my daughter, make the love possible. Please, do not make my death be in vain. Marry him."

With those final words, Lady Nahum turned to face the king. "Please, my king, I'm ready for my execution. Please, announce it."

The king's face twisted in a mixture of regret and resolve. "I regret my actions," he thought to himself. "Had it been that this case was not taken up in court, I would have gladly released her. But now, if I should release her, what will my people think? My first love, Nahum, the one I cherish most... please, I'm so sorry for killing you with my own mouth."

With a heavy heart, the king announced Lady Nahum's execution. "I hereby declare Lady Nahum's execution for the crime of poisoning Crown Prince Zoe."

Naehi's world came crashing down around her. She bowed her face, weeping continuously and bitterly. "Please, my king, take back your command! My lady is innocent! Please, my king, please... I'm begging you!"

But it was too late. Lady Nahum was led to the market square, where she was executed in front of a crowd of onlookers.

As Naehi watched in horror, Crown Prince Zoe enveloped her in a deep hug. But Naehi's grief quickly turned to anger, and she pushed him away, landing a hot slap on his cheek.

"How dare you!" she spat, her eyes blazing with fury. "You forced her to die because of your greed and selfishness! Prince Zoe, you're wicked! I hate you! I can never stay with you again!"

Queen Khieyan appeared beside Naehi, her face etched with concern. "Crown Prince Zoe, please give me some time to talk to Naehi."

In Queen Khieyan's quarters, Naehi's anger slowly gave way to grief. Queen Khieyan sat beside her, offering words of comfort.

"My dear Naehi, please... you have to forget Lady Nahum and think about yourself. Lady Nahum gladly laid down her life for you because of your happiness. Now, you're turning everything upside down. Please, you have to forgive Crown Prince Zoe. He has done everything in his power to ensure your love."

Naehi's eyes flashed with anger, but Queen Khieyan continued. "Please, forgive him. Crown Prince Zoe has sent your wedding letter to the king, and as soon as the king approves it, you'll become the queen-to-be. Naehi, please be strong and focus on your happiness. Remember, Lady Nahum begged you not to let her death for your love be in vain."

Just then, Crown Prince Zoe entered the room, his eyes filled with remorse. He knelt down in front of Naehi, his voice filled with emotion.

"Naehi, please... everything will soon be over. As soon as we become married, we can join hands together to build this nation by eliminating everyone who has been causing tears in the palace. Please, my dear Naehi, I'm sorry. Please, Naehi... will you marry me?"

Story continues........

Watch out for the next episodes.