Bella's father's face is frozen in place, and another elder says, "Your Majesty, we are the noble families. Our bloodlines go back centuries. We sided with the royal family during the great war. How can you talk about erasing our bloodlines—"
"How can you have the audacity to threaten your king?" I shoot back. He falls silent.
I get to my feet. "The lists will go out tonight. Rothan is going to stay in the castle as my delegate. In the meantime, Rothan," I say, looking at him, "if anyone tries anything, kill them. It doesn't matter how ancient their bloodline is. I want their heads sent to me. Anyone attempts to disobey you, you kill them and their family. Am I understood?"
Rothan nods.
