Aria’s POV
Kael convened his own council three days after our return, and I sat beside him this time rather than standing before them, an unfamiliar but not unwelcome shift in how the kingdom had begun treating my presence.
Cassian stood at the center of the chamber, composed despite the weight of what was about to be decided, Ines positioned near the entrance in case anything went wrong.
"Two years of betrayal," Priya said, her tone carrying less hostility than it had during my own first appearance before this council, though the skepticism remained. "Feeding information to a man who murdered his own family, who intended to murder Selena and every guard involved once his plan succeeded. What makes you believe leniency is warranted here?"
"I don't believe leniency is owed," Cassian sa
