Locked in stocks.

"Guards, if you would please escort the Princess, we shall begin her act of penance without delay." Mr. Fouka ordered.

Two guards were quick to oblige, stepping away from their place of attention at the wall and standing on either side of the nervous princess. An armored hand gripped Kimiko by either arm, not so gently marching the royal woman forward and out of the room. Mr. Fouka led the way, clearly already aware of where he was going.

"Princess Kimiko, it was wise of you to throw yourself on the Council's mercy. Some of my colleagues were more than ready to sentence you to a truly nasty punishment." the man lied. Everything that had transpired so far had been his own doing, and what was to come next was simply the next step in his scheme. "Thankfully, I am a humble servant of the royal family. Your punishment will be gentle, I promise you."

Kimiko wanted to trust Mr. Fouka's words, but couldn't ignore the growing feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach. A feeling that only grew as she was escorted out of the palace entirely, leaving the walled courtyard behind and entering the city proper. The sight of the princess flanked by two guards quickly drew stares, which even more quickly turned into a crowd. By the time Kimiko had reached her destination, what felt like half the city had gathered to see what was transpiring.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the esteemed Princess Kimiko Wakahisa has been sentenced to undergo an act of penance." Mr. Fouka explained. "To show the extent of her sincerity, Princess Kimiko will be locked in a pillory, until such a time as the Council of Eight feels she has proven herself."

Kimiko felt her blood go cold. The pillory was a crude device meant to humiliate its victim. Locking their head and hands in place, at such a height as to **** them to bend over, the pillory left its victim helpless to protect themselves from the jeers and looks of the crowd. Sometimes the people would even throw rotten food at the displayed criminals! The idea of such things had Kimiko trembling as the guards moved her into place and locked the device around her. The guards were at least some comfort. There were always guards around to make sure the crowds never tried anything too brash.

"Come, men. Let us leave Her Highness to her punishment." Mr. Fouka said, and the guards Kimiko had been so sure would protect her moved to leave.

"W-wait! Y-you cannot take my guards! You can't leave me like this!" Kimiko pleaded.

Mr. Fouka stopped in place, pretending to consider Kimiko's words. He had no intention of leaving her with guards, but her plea set the princess up to a wonderful opportunity for a parting moment.