章 27: Justice?

Kael turned slowly, his sword still resting in its sheath, his emerald eyes locking onto the source of the voice.

Princess Aveline stood at the edge of the crowd, her golden armor catching the sunlight, a visible symbol of authority.

"Arrest him," she repeated, her tone cold and absolute.

Kael's jaw clenched, but his face remained calm. He tilted his head slightly, as if analyzing her from a distance.

The crowd began murmuring, their whispers like the rustling of leaves in a storm.

"Your Highness," Kael said, his voice even but carrying a weight that demanded attention.

"Before your guards make their move, might I ask what crime I'm being arrested for?"

Aveline stepped forward, her royal cape flowing behind her. Her piercing gaze swept over the scene—Evelyn's disheveled state, the bruised and unconscious men lying on the ground, and Kael standing tall amidst it all.

"You're surrounded by injured men. That alone speaks volumes."