"I always knew the Imperial family lacked shame," she said calmly. "But this performance exceeds expectations. Tell your Emperor that I will attend the public trial. But I will not go with you and accept confinement."
The eunuch's brows furrowed sharply. "Are you defying His Majesty's decree?"
Kiara's laughter was low and sharp. "I remember a legendary rank expert once forcing your beloved Emperor to kneel. Do you expect me to think that his word is absolute?"
Her words cut through the room like drawn steel.
Hatred simmered beneath her tone. It was old and festering. The Emperor might rule the Phoenix Empire, but in her mind, he was the architect of her suffering.
Rational or not, resentment burned all the same.
The eunuch's face flushed crimson. He signaled the guards.
The moment their boots shifted forward, Noah moved.
There was no dramatic flourish. No warning.
