Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 803

After Eleanor had gotten her punishment, it was Henry's turn.

When the royal edict arrived, the charges against him were summed up in a single phrase—he was guilty of everything from treason and kidnapping to murder and unspeakable acts.

Knowing he couldn't escape death, Henry requested to see his concubines one last time.

He begged Rafael, "I have lived as their husband and we have children together. I only wish they don't hate me too much. They know I was forced into my choices, that I struggled to survive so they could live, so they wouldn't be killed by Eleanor. But I've wronged them, and all I ask is that you inform His Majesty and let me kneel before them to apologize."

Each word he said was just deflecting blame and lacked any sense of responsibility. Not once did he mention his family, though he was intent on protecting them. Even now that the marquisate had been stripped away, Salvador hadn't confiscated their estate. Their foundation remained intact and they wouldn't face too much hardship.

Rafael looked at the man who used to be his uncle.

He leaned slightly forward and said, "You can drop the false piety. Even Melanie Lester, the one you claim to love most, doesn't want to see you. She knows exactly what kind of man you are. But if you wish to atone, wait until after you die and apologize to those you've wronged."

Henry smiled bitterly. "After I die, I'll naturally atone for my sins. It's all my fault. I didn't protect them well enough. For the sake of our past relationship, please bring Carmen to see me, Your Highness. I'm begging you. Let me see a family member before I die."

Rafael replied coldly, "Is it so difficult to see your family? I can send someone to Grovehill Estate to fetch your niece or nephew. I could also summon Jessica to send you off."

Henry's pleading expression suddenly froze. His hands slowly dropped and he sighed. "Forget it. I'm a dead man anyway. What good would it do to see them? Please convey my apologies. In my next life, I'll work like a beast to atone for my sins."

Rafael stared at him icily. "As one nears death, they often speak kindly, yet you face death without a shred of remorse. Haven't those women suffered enough because of you? And now you want them dragged back here to see you one last time? What are you really after? Everyone understands your intentions. You just want to divert the public's anger away from your precious family while continuing to use those women as scapegoats. Have you no humanity left?"