---
Shock struck him deep. He struggled to find breath. "So he will escape punishment because of his mother's rank?"
Mia's expression steeled. "Because his mother is Seven-Star, and because our kingdom holds power above all else. We honor birthright more than any act of treachery. His mother's lineage shields him. I grieve your losses, Kai. I share your fury. But I must follow the ancient statutes. If I pressed his wrongdoing here, the war hall might side with birth rather than deed. You and your comrades could be branded as liars. You could be punished instead of him."
Kai and Mia, they exchanged disquieted glances. Kai felt his world tremble. He felt time's slow weight bear down upon him. "But this… this is injustice!" Kai whispered. "I almost lay down my life for this kingdom… yet a traitor lives because of his birthright! Princess, if you cannot punish him, then what hope is left?"
