Elara's pov
"And I'm ordering them to continue, and you can't not interfere in this nor will I allow you." Malakor said. "As head of the council and appointed guardian of royal security, my authority supersedes yours in matters of palace safety.."
"That's not true," I said.
"It is," Varrus said quietly. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. But the rules are clear. Lord Malakor has the authority to enforce security regulations."
"This is wrong," I said. My voice was breaking now. "Kaelen was just doing what I asked. He was protecting me. He kept me safe."
"He should have kept you here," Malakor said. "Where you belong. Guards, take him. And your majesty also you need to learn the rules if you don't even know this."
The guards moved forward again.
"Wait," Kaelen said.
Everyone stopped.
Kaelen stepped around me. Looked at Malakor. Blood was still dripping from his split lip.
"I'll take the lashes," he said calmly.
"No!" I grabbed his arm. "Kaelen, no. You can't-"
