"Thank you, Your Highness, for sparing my family," Joseph said, his voice trembling as he knelt on the cold stone floor of the prison cell. His head remained bowed, his hands clasped tightly in front of him. "I beg you for one more kindness. Please, do not let my children learn of my shame. I know my actions are beyond forgiveness, but I plead with you—don't let my sins stain their future. Punish me as you see fit, but let them live without the weight of my betrayal."
Prince Sullivan regarded him in silence for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke with a calm tone. "Your plea has been heard. I will ensure your children are protected from your disgrace. But as for you—your crimes have endangered the kingdom, and for that, you will spend the rest of your life in this cell. This is the price of your betrayal."
With those words, Sullivan turned and strode out of the dim cell, Harris, following closely behind.