Lord Vesper's motion was denied. The hearings continued.
Weeks later, one of the conservative Lords dared to act against the Human Rights Charter. Kael decided to use him as a scapegoat.
The palace courtyard was packed with observers; nobles, servants, guards, and common citizens who had heard the news and come to watch. A wooden platform had been erected in the centre. On it knelt Lord Rylan, his hands bound behind his back, his face pale as ash.
Kael stood behind him, sword drawn.
Seren watched from the gallery above, her hand on her locket. Beside her, Lysa trembled.
"Are you sure about this?" Lysa whispered.
"I'm sure." Seren's voice was steady, though her stomach churned. "The charter is law. The law must be enforced. If we make exceptions for nobles, the law means nothing."
Below, Kael stepped forward.
