The Baroness Misbehaves
Chapter 188: The Prisoner Has Escaped

Chapter 188: The Prisoner Has Escaped

The sun had risen on the day of Cassian’s execution, and the palace courtyard was already buzzing with anticipation as residence of the upper East quarters gathered in the large opened courtyard.

Orson, who was present as well, had a mini conversation with his father concerning what was going on, and his Father, who just came back from a trip yesterday, still found it difficult to believe that the Cassian he knew was getting executed today, all because of some silly made-up rumors the people of Carmarthen have managed to put together into a lie ??

He shook his head firmly at the thought, refusing to believe it until he saw the truth for himself. Cassian’s mother, who had joined them, remained unusually composed as Inna stood by her side close to a huge pillar in the courtyard. Their worries were still evident on their faces as Elaine pulled her daughter close in an attempt to comfort her, but she didn’t say anything as she too was helpless at this point.

Some of the crowds casted suspicious looks in her direction as they walked by, uttering ill comments that she turned deaf ears to.

"First, she gets pregnant before marrying the Duke, and what do we hear? The Cassian we all know isn’t human." A woman huffed in disdain to her fellow gender companion who fanned her face lightly with a wooden hand-made hand-fan.

"What can I say? It is the Duke who is at fault for having eyes for a lower woman. This is the result of getting too acquainted with people who do not belong, cause they reek of bad luck."

"Did she by chance sleep with the Devil? I knew something was very unrealistic about that young man starting from his flawless appearance."

"What if he isn’t the Duke’s Actual son??" The woman without the handfan inquired in a surprised gasp.

Inna, who was starting to get impatient watching the people talk absolute rubbish about her Mother and brother, balled her hands into fist, and she wanted to intrude on their conversation when Isabella instantly blocked her path, shaking her head lightly and conveying a silent message for Inna to turn back and keep her cool.

"So now I’m the one at fault? I don’t see you telling them to shove a sock in their mouth if they can’t keep quiet." Uttered Inna with visible distaste in her tone, and without giving Isabella the chance to explain why she made this decision, Inna rudely turned and headed back to her mother’s side.

"Mother." Isabella looked at Elaine, hoping Elaine would understand her reason for doing this, and to Isabella’s relief, Elaine completely understood as she nodded with a knowing smile.

If Inna had intrude in their conversation, it would spell a bad name for her, and worst, everyone would judge her character and mannerism. It was best to keep silent to avoid escalating the matter any further.

Juliana, who walked past, flashed a smile of arrogance at Elaine, silently taunting her on her predicament, but her gaze was the least of Elaine’s worry as she closed her eyes and hoped her son would be alright at the end of this.

At the high adorned podium, the young King sat on his throne with the advisors and court officials standing behind him, patiently waiting for the moment when Cassian would be brought before them as a speech was being presently given.

Klaus, who looked more confident this morning, took his seat at the special chair that was assigned to those who shared connection with the King, and Richard, who looked grim, also took his seat without uttering a word to anyone.

The air was thick with tension, and the only sound that could be heard were the murmurings of the crowd that had gathered to witness the execution.

Elian, who was seated at the rooftop of the courtyard, watched from a corner on what was happening below.

As the King’s trusted advisor stepped forward to say something to the crowd in front of him, the sounds of footsteps suddenly echoed through the stoned courtyard, interrupting him, and a guard appeared, panting and almost out of breath.

The crowd immediately hushed at the sight of the guard.

"Your Majesty," he gasped, "the prisoner... the... the prisoner has escaped."

"The what?" Hearing this, Klaus instinctively got to his feet, his eyes widening in shock at the news of Cassian having escaped, and shocking gasps could heard from the crowd.

"He escaped?"

"How is that possible?"

"What insolence! What do you mean he has escaped?" Asked the advisors, their voice barely above a whisper as they exchanged looks of disbelief before settling it on the guard.

"We were ordered to bring him to the execution ground, but reaching his cell, we found the grills of the cell where stretched open. It was unbelievable, your Majesty." The guard explained. "With further investigation, we found out he broke the chains and grills before escaping."

Alaric rose from his seat, a hushed silence falling upon the crowd and everyone present. With his gaze unfaltering, he looked at the guard. "How could this have happened? He was under the highest possible security."

"I.... I cannot say, your Majesty." The guard answered, bowing his head in shame. "I only know he is gone."

All the court officials and Authorities present began to speak at once, including the crowds as their murmuring got louder. Each one of the voicing their concerns and opinion on what should be done.

The King, however, remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

Finally, he spoke. "We must find him, bring him here, dead or alive." Was his final judgement.

As the guards scrambled to assemble a search party, the King sat on his throne, his mind racing with thoughts on what might happen if Cassian is truly found.

He could only hope they succeeded in leaving the upper East quarters, cause if found again, his hands are tied, and as the King, he has to listen to the people.