Lina looked at the men kneeling on the ground and spoke slowly, allowing every word to sink into the minds of those listening.
"Or would any of you like to be the first to challenge my courage?"
The men immediately began screaming and pleading for mercy, with some even breaking into tears. None of them doubted that Lina's account of her predecessors was true. As Queen, she possessed the authority to execute those she deemed guilty, and the Church could not interfere with that power. Naturally, if the person involved were a powerful noble with considerable influence, she would have to weigh the consequences carefully. But these men were merely minor earls and barons. Even if she killed them, would their deaths really be enough to provoke a rebellion?
