"Tell me, Cedric. What punishment do you deserve, you traitor?"
The word "traitor" struck him like an iron hammer to the head.
Cedric felt his breathing grow heavy, but he quickly regained his composure.
Cupping his hands together, he said respectfully, "The decision is yours, Father—I mean, Your Majesty. I will accept whatever you decide."
Ragan narrowed his eyes. He studied Cedric's expression, as if hoping to catch even the slightest change on his face.
Unfortunately, Cedric remained calm and expressionless, leaving Ragan unable to guess what he was thinking.
Ragan took a deep breath before turning to the judge seated on his left.
"In your opinion, what punishment is most fitting for him? Death... or exile?"
Everyone in the courtroom naturally turned toward the senior judge.
His name was Louis.
He was the same senior judge who had overseen the trial between the Castellan and Valmire families a year earlier.
