Chapter 16 · The Execution Route

"Why does your seal authorize my brother's execution?"

My voice cut through the command hall and the screaming alarms.

Carson still had my hand locked in his. His thumb pressed over my wedding band, keeping every city camera focused on the ring—and the red crown burning beneath my collar.

He stared at the transport feed instead of me.

"It doesn't."

I ripped my hand free. "The system read your seal. Your name. Your command code. Noah is being taken to an execution site, and your signature put him on that road. Don't stand there and tell me it doesn't."

His jaw tightened. "I said it doesn't."

"Then explain it."

"Not here."

I stepped closer. "You made it here when you announced me as your wife. You wanted every camera in the city watching me stand under your protection. So protect me from the truth."

His eyes dropped to my mouth.

Half a second. Barely that.

Then his face went cold again.

"Vale copied my seal," he said. "The transfer order is fake."

"Your officers accepted it.