And So It Begins

*Isla*

“Death?” I repeat as Maddox stares at me unblinking. “Really?”

Maddox nods. “Yes, that’s the punishment for committing treason. What do you think it should be? I mean, we have to be tough on these people who break the law.”

“What about all of those Alphas who just fought against you in the war?” I counter. “How many of them have been sentenced to death.”

Maddox shifts slightly in his chair. “Well, that’s a little bit different. Those are Alphas. They have a different standard that they are held to.”

“Shouldn’t it be higher?” I argue. “I mean, those people have sworn allegiance to you, too, and not only do they fight you themselves, but they also force others to do so as well, whether they want to or not. If you can put someone to death for lying about their background, shouldn’t you be doing the same for the men who just tried to take your throne from you?”

Maddox stares at me with his lips pressed together. “You seem awfully invested in this,” he says. “I’m not exactly sure wh