Chapter 28 --28
"Define negligence," Elara interrupted. "Specifically, explain how a perimeter guard positioned forty meters from an external courtyard could have prevented a non-verbal projectile spell cast by an imperial princess who had every right to be in that courtyard."
Silence.
"I’ll wait," Elara added.
The magistrate’s jaw worked. "Your Highness, the Empress determined—"
"The Empress required a visible response. I understand the political necessity. However, executing my household staff without my authorization sets a precedent that undermines the administrative authority my father just granted me." She paused. "I assume you’d prefer I not bring this precedent concern to the Emperor’s attention during his morning briefing."
The magistrate’s expression went carefully blank. "What exactly are you proposing, Your Highness?"
"Transfer the prisoner to my custody. I will conduct internal household disciplinary review. If negligence is confirmed, I will issue appropriate sanctions under my own authority. If not, the matter is closed."
"The Empress has already announced the execution publicly—"
"Then announce the prisoner died during transfer," Elara said flatly. "Complications from flogging injuries. Medical failure. The Empress’s sentence is carried out symbolically, I retain jurisdiction over my household, and no one needs to escalate this to the Emperor. Everyone preserves face."
The magistrate stared at her. Behind him, one of the officials shifted uncomfortably.
"You’re asking me to falsify an execution record," he said quietly.
"I’m asking you to resolve a jurisdictional conflict efficiently," Elara corrected. "The alternative is formal appeal, which delays the execution, forces imperial arbitration, and creates exactly the kind of bureaucratic entanglement that annoys my father during research season."