Chapter 3

I curled up in agony, unable to make a sound. My belly burned as if it were on fire. Blood poured out endlessly, quickly staining the ground in front of the General's Manor red.

I reached out and grabbed the hem of Jasper's robe, begging, "Please… call a royal physician… my child…"

I had already cast everything else aside. All I wanted was for someone—anyone—to save my child.

Clutching my stomach with one hand, I vaguely remembered how he had still been moving inside me that very morning.

Now, I could feel his life slipping away at a very fast rate.

The next second, Jasper kicked my hand away without mercy. "It's too late to beg now."

Pauline stood beside him, looking down at me. "Jasper, even at a time like this, this vile woman still refuses to name her lover. She hasn't realized her mistake at all."

Jasper sneered. "A treacherous, shameless whore like you deserves to be drowned for your immoral ways. Today, you'll serve as a warning to the others. With you as an example, I'd like to see if any other woman dares to be unfaithful like you."

Two soldiers grabbed me from either side and hauled me up, tearing my wounds open even further.

I yelled, "Jasper, what are you trying to do? Let go of me! If you dare harm my child, you will regret it! You all will regret it!"

No one answered me.

Instead, they threw me onto the ground roughly and bound my hands to something hard. It wasn't until I heard the sound of hooves striking the ground right beside me that I realized that Jasper had tied me to a carriage.

"Jasper, let me go!" Panic warped my voice.

Jasper seemed pleased by the sight of my fear. "You dared betray me. This is only a public parade. What are you afraid of?"

Pauline looked at the luxurious silk clothes that were still clinging to my body. A flash of jealousy flitted across her eyes.

"Jasper, this harlot brought such disgrace upon you, yet she still has the nerve to wear clothes this expensive," she remarked indignantly.

As her words fell, Jasper drew his sword and flicked it twice. Its cold light sliced through the air.

Then, I felt a chill rush over me as my clothes slid from my body.

Gasps and obscene laughter broke free from the surrounding crowd. I tried to cover myself, but my hands were bound tight.

"Jasper, you'll regret doing this to me!" I shouted.

Shrill laughter echoed from all directions.

Jasper mounted his horse and said arrogantly, "There is no one in this world who can make me regret anything! Move!"

At his command, the horse surged forward, dragging the carriage at full speed. I was tied to it from behind. So, my entire back erupted in searing pain as it scraped against the ground from being dragged along.

The townsfolk lining the road cheered at the sight. Some even hurled stones at me.

I screamed despite myself, but my cries were swallowed by the rushing wind. Wounds tore open on my skin and got bigger as time passed. The bloody trail stretched from the General's Manor into the streets and alleys.

The pain in my belly had long since been replaced by numbness. I felt as if something was about to come out.

"No… Jasper, please stop…" I begged between sobs, my tears that were mixed with blood streaked across my entire face.

Jasper dragged me all the way from the General's Manor to the city gates, where a large crowd had already gathered to watch the spectacle. I was like a dead rat tied behind the carriage, with only the faintest breaths proving that I was still alive.

"My child…" I murmured.

Jasper dismounted his horse. Seeing my miserable state, he curved his lips into a satisfied smile.

He sneered, "This is the fate of those who betray me, Isabella. As for your bastard child, beg me properly, and perhaps I might spare him."

Hearing that, I no longer cared whether it was true or false. I begged again and again.

"Please, Jasper. I'm willing to be your slave or anything you want… Just spare my child! I'll do anything you ask!"

Jasper grabbed my hair and forced my head up. "Then repent in front of the people. Tell them exactly what sins you committed."

I murmured numbly, "I am a whore. I shouldn't have slept with another man. I disgraced the General's Manor. I am a sinner…"

Upon hearing this, Jasper was finally satisfied.

He laughed smugly and said, "Since you admit your wrongdoings, I'll spare your life. But this abomination absolutely cannot be kept alive. I'll send him to reunite with his father right now!"

The tip of his sword pointed at my swollen belly. There was no way of knowing whether my child was alive or dead.

I no longer had the strength to struggle as despair filled my eyes.

A flash of cold light passed before me, and I felt a sharp pain below my waist. At the same time, a piercing voice suddenly rang out.