Jin Wei was challenging House Ambrose," he said carefully. "I responded appropriately to that challenge."
"Appropriately?" Alexia's voice carried imperial ice. "Breaking the arm of a man who had already yielded is appropriate?"
"It was necessary to establish clear boundaries," Grim replied, though even as he spoke, he could see the Empress's expression hardening.
"Necessary for what?" she asked. "To demonstrate that House Ambrose has forgotten the difference between strength and brutality?"
The question hung in the air like a blade, and Grim felt the corruption whispering that even imperial authority could be challenged if one had sufficient strength.
[Don't,] Caius warned desperately. [Whatever you're thinking, don't. She is your sovereign and your only real ally in the capital.]
"Your Majesty," Grim said slowly, "I acted to defend the honor of my house. Jin Wei's family has a history of opposing Imperial authority, and his challenge needed to be answered decisively."
