For a moment, they sat in silence, the Emperor sipping his tea and apparently enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. But Mandaqini's composure was cracking, her fingers gripping her own teacup with slightly more force than necessary.
She had been silent the entire time since the emperor's verdict, though how she felt about it, she couldn't hide; it was clearly showing on her face.
"You should have executed him," she said finally, her voice tight with barely restrained fury.
"Right there in the imperial hall, in front of everyone. He attacked our daughter, killed imperial officials, and destroyed an entire deployment of elite forces. The evidence was overwhelming, the crimes undeniable. Yet you sent him on some ridiculous mission instead of delivering the justice he deserved."
The Emperor set down his cup with unhurried calm, his expression showing he had been expecting this conversation.
"You're upset because I didn't kill the man who defeated Tamna."
