[Emperor Cassius POV—Imperial Palace—Throne Room—continuation]
His smug expression faltered—just slightly. But I saw it. The flicker of fear.
"Remember this well," I said, my voice low and deliberate, each syllable slicing through the hall, "the Crown Princess's will… is mine. And mine… is law."
A shiver rippled through the chamber. Gasps, muffled curses, and the sound of silk sleeves brushing as nobles glanced at one another in dread. I leaned back on the throne, letting the silence stretch, savoring their unease.
"And…" I let the pause hang, cruel and heavy, before adding with a faint, icy smile, "The Crown Princess was far more merciful than I would have been."
Count Talvan swallowed hard, forcing himself to step forward. His voice trembled despite his attempt at composure.
"Increasing the tax to ninety-five percent is… mercy, Your Majesty?"
