The Emperor's expression shifted slightly—not quite a smile, but a glimmer of interest that suggested Jolthar had touched on something that resonated.
"Continue," the Emperor said simply.
"The Shinokishi and Aethar Corps," Jolthar said, his voice becoming harder.
"Five hundred elite warriors and forty-five combat mages deployed to 'arrest' one person. Your Imperial Majesty, does that sound like a lawful arrest to you, or does that sound like an execution squad? They came to kill me, not to bring me to justice. The only reason I'm standing here now is because I'm strong enough to defend myself against overwhelming force."
"You killed imperial soldiers!" Halvren accused.
"I defended myself against an illegal military assault," Jolthar corrected.
