[Emperor Cassius's Pov]
As I stepped into the war council hall, the stench of blood still clung to my skin. The taste of it hadn't left my tongue since I tore through those pathetic worms who dared lay a finger on my child.
Ravick was already kneeling at the center of the chamber. His armor was battered, his face was stained red, and his hands—his hands were still shaking.
"Your Majesty," he said, voice low, "I… failed to protect the Princess. I offer no excuse."
My brow twitched. Annoyance flickered.
Ravick didn't stop.
"As Captain of the Black Knights, I failed in my duty. I am prepared to accept punishment—whatever you see fit."
The audacity.
I was already seething, and yet his words—spoken with so much hollow honor—only poured oil onto fire.
I grabbed him by the collar, yanking him up so we were face-to-face. "If that's what you want," I hissed through clenched teeth, "then so be it."
My gaze flicked toward Theon.
"THEON. PREPARE FOR CAPTAIN RAVICK'S EXECUTION NOW."
