---
Mia inclined her head, then turned gracefully toward the dais. The courtyard torches flickered as she passed. Kai exhaled, feeling the weight of the crystals lessen his spirit. He wanted to shout that this was wrong, that the law must change! But when think about the wounded figures of Vexor and Renna in the back of his mind, he knew silence was safer.
Before Kai could linger further, Mia's voice rang out one final time: "Please, go and rest. You have earned every breath. When the Queen's custodian comes, do not be afraid. You have my word that no further punishment awaits you—for your courage, for your service, and for your faith in me. I will call for you when it is safe to speak again."
Those parting words were a double‐edged promise: they freed him from immediate risk, yet shackled him anew to political secrets and fragile loyalties.
Kai bowed deeply. "Yes, Princess. Thank you."
