Three days after Lyanna left, a man was brought before Azrael. He had stolen from a merchant's stall and the merchant was demanding punishment.
"What did you steal?" Azrael asked.
"Bread, Your Majesty." The man replied, trembling. "Just two loaves. My children were hungry, and I couldn't…"
"Did you steal or didn't you?" Azrael asked again.
"I did, but…"
"No buts." Azrael said. "Theft is theft. Desperation doesn't excuse breaking the law. You're sentenced to twenty lashes in public tomorrow."
"Your Majesty, please…my children…"
"You should have thought of them before you stole." Azrael said. "Next case."
Guards dragged the sobbing man away. The council members looked at each other. Some approved of this version of him while others looked uncomfortable.
"Your Majesty." Lord Cassius said after the session was over. "That was a wise decision. The court needs to see strength, especially given the queen's absence."
"But I wasn't being strong. I was being cruel." Azrael replied.
