though sharing a private joke with himself, "I feel like I'm in a good mood."
A visible ripple of confusion moved through the room.
Good mood?
After bloodshed?
After treason?
The phrase itself felt unreal.
Even Marcus stared.
But Thessian continued as though nothing about the moment were unusual.
"If those traitors can talk," he said, leaning back farther into his seat, voice smooth now, almost generous, "and tell me the truth…"
He paused.
Let the silence gather around the words.
Then.....
"I will spare their lives."
The chamber froze.
Not metaphorically.
Actually froze.
Breaths caught. Shoulders stiffened. Even one of the restrained sons lifted his head as though he had not trusted his own hearing.
Because no one in that room had expected those words. Not from him. Not now.
Thessian tilted his head slightly.
"I won't kill them."
Another pause.
Then, with deliberate weight...
"That's a promise."
His fingers tapped once against the armrest.
"My word."
