The Great Hall was in complete chaos.
Thousands of voices shouted at once.
Citizens screamed for blood.
Nobles demanded immediate execution.
Several soldiers looked as though they wanted to drag Khan from the trial box and carry out the sentence themselves.
The insult toward the Empress had shattered whatever sympathy remained for him.
Even those who had once hoped for mercy now looked upon him with disgust.
Yet amidst the uproar, the Empress slowly rose from her throne.
The movement alone was enough.
Silence spread through the hall like a wave.
One by one, the voices died.
The shouting ceased.
The nobles sat back down.
The citizens quieted.
Even Khan's laughter faded.
Within moments, the Great Hall had become completely silent.
The Empress stood tall upon the dais.
Her gaze was fixed upon the trial box.
Upon her son.
There was no sorrow visible on her face now.
No hesitation.
No uncertainty.
Only judgment.
The ruler of Lechia had arrived at her decision.
