Chapter 50 · The Original Command

"Take your hands off him."

The guard twisted Dorian's arm higher.

His shoulder slammed into the broadcast rail. The silver field insignia tore free from his coat, struck the metal floor, and skidded beneath my boot.

"Mara, don't," Dorian said.

"You don't get to order me around anymore."

"I do if you're about to get yourself killed."

The tribunal carriage had been turned into a rolling courtroom. Every bench was packed with officers, inspectors, and armed rail guards. Above them, the public screens showed the same frozen image—Dorian Vale in chains, his command badge still pinned to his chest.

Then the badge was gone.

The carriage erupted.

"Officer Vale is relieved of field authority," the tribunal clerk announced. "He'll be transferred to the northern judgment line for immediate sentencing."

"On what charge?" I shoved between two guards. "You haven't even read the case record."

The clerk didn't look at me. "Mara Quill, you're under contract protection. Step back."

"Contract protection? That's cute." I pointed at Dorian. "Your men are dragging my husband away."

Dorian's eyes snapped to mine.

Not because I called him my husband.

Because I said it where everyone could hear.

His mouth tightened. "Mara.