The officer's hand tightened on the weapon. Kael moved faster. He stepped into the space and caught the man's wrist.
People gasped.
"Enough," Kael said. His voice cut through the racket. Everyone heard it. Even his mother. Her smile thinned by a fraction.
The officer froze. He did not pull the gun, neither did he did try to fight. A thin line of sweat showed at the base of his neck.
Kael did not let go. He looked straight at his mother. There were a hundred things in his face. Rage, disbelief maybe.
"You will not touch anyone in my hall today," Kael said.
His mother's eyes narrowed. "Is that a command, son?"
"It's a fact," Kael said. He dropped the officer's wrist. He did not lower his voice. "This is a Council hearing. No arbitrary arrests. No enforcement without evidence presented and agreed upon. We follow law here."
Murmurs ran through the room. Some people nodded. Others looked like they wanted to throw chairs.
