The throne room was full.
Every general. Every advisor. Every court official who had heard the commotion and come running. They lined the walls in anxious clusters, whispering behind sleeves.
The Emperor sat on his throne like a man who had not slept and did not intend to show it. His face was stone. His eyes moved between Kang and Xin with the careful precision of someone weighing options he did not like.
Princess Mei stood to his left. Her face was controlled but her knuckles around her sword hilt were white.
She had not known this was coming. That much was clear.
Kang presented first. He was good — Xin had to admit that. Eleven years of practice showed in every word.
"Your Majesty, I came to you this morning with grave concerns. Evidence suggests that Master Zhou and this — indivi
