Chapter 50: The Throne and the FlameLord Saris' manor stood in the Stone Pillar Square of the capital's western suburbs. Under the night, the ancient tower loomed like a slumbering griffin, its shadows intertwining with stone carvings. Evelynn and Lucian led the Silver Oath Knights and Holy Temple Guards, torches illuminating the marble path to the manor. Saris already awaited at the gate with his cronies, sneering: "Your Majesty arrives in haste—did you forget a gift?"
Evelynn's gaze burned as she drew her longsword, its edge reflecting firelight. "Saris, you wield tyranny in the name of nobility. Today, beneath the throne and flame, you will face judgment from all."
Silver Oath Knights and guards swiftly separated Saris from his attendants, with Lucian shielding Evelynn. Saris tossed a barb: "Dictating public will with blades is like stabilizing the realm through violence." As he stepped back, Holy Temple Guards seized him.
Evelynn raised her sword, voice cold: "Take him to the Scarlet Flame Platform—the ancient site of retribution."
Soon, the procession reached the Scarlet Flame Platform on the city's outskirts. A ringed plaza, its central brazier burned eternally, symbolizing the kingdom's unquenchable justice. Firelight reddened faces, exposing the fear beneath Saris' arrogant facade.
Chief Justice Boros read the verdict: "Lord Saris, under Article 80 of the new laws—'Treason by Noble'—for colluding with bandits to subvert the realm, your sentence is public incineration on the flame steps." As his words fell, the brazier's flames surged higher, as if in response.
Evelynn's lips trembled, her expression softening for an instant before hardening again. "Honor built on others' suffering is no true honor." Even as she spoke, Silver Oath Guards escorted Saris to the brazier. Turning to generals and officials, she proclaimed: "Witness this—all glory woven from tyranny shall vanish in the fires of justice!"
Saris staggered up the flame steps. Instead of giving the order immediately, Evelynn raised her scepter slowly, its light merging with fire and moonlight like a sacred clarion. Clutching the scepter's base, her voice thundered: "In the name of royal blood and the Holy Confederation, I bestow your doomsday judgment!"
She touched the scepter down gently. Holy light and scarlet flame converged, and the brazier erupted in towering fire. Saris threw back his head in despair, his form twisting in the blaze before vanishing into the inferno with a piercing howl.
After the trial, silence reigned. As the flames subsided, the Scarlet Flame Platform stilled. Evelynn sheathed her sword, addressing the court gravely: "Rebuilding the capital requires not just the deterrence of blades, but the reconstruction of law and the unity of hearts. From tomorrow, a three-day celebration will be held—not for joy, but to let the people witness that justice and the Holy Confederation endure forever."
Lucian stepped to her side, encircling her waist. "Your Highness, you declared justice through fire and won hearts with faith. Are you weary?"
Leaning into his embrace, Evelynn whispered: "Though fire burns, it purifies filth. With you beside me, even the weight of the throne cannot daunt me."
Deep in night, on the viewing terrace beside the Scarlet Flame Platform, Lucian clasped her hand and drew her close. In the interwoven glow of fire and moonlight, he bowed to kiss her, as if washing away the embers of judgment. Evelynn ran her hand over his chest, slipping fingers under his battle robe to feel the steady throb of his heart.
They lingered in the brazier's residual warmth and night wind, silk and skin glowing together. Beyond royal power, only two sincerely intertwined hearts remained.