I just thought it was unlikely that Keladry would get off scot free... I can see a potential dilema in how Jon would handle that...
I watched her as she walked quietly across the stone flags of the antechamber. Her face was shuttered and closed. Even I, renowned for my ability at reading people, could not see into her thoughts.
"Keladry of Mindelan…" I said slowly, as if tasting her name.
She bowed, deeply; I raised an eyebrow. Such fearlessness and utter calm was nearly unearthly and, honestly, frightening. The guards escorting her were definitely not her friends, they would not help her escape. She was facing treason, the confiscation of her shield, banishment- she was accepting it better than even the most seasoned veteran. It made me wonder if she was not drugged on opiates for her nerves.
I felt myself scowl at the top of her head. Keladry of Mindelan made it very hard to be a king.
"You know why you're here." It wasn't a question.
The Lady Knight looked up, her face as blank as the Yamani ambassador. "Yes, your Majesty."
"You disobeyed a direct order from your superior officer, and by extension, myself." Again, it was not a question. "That is High Treason in Tortall; and the sentence is Traitors Hill."
I saw something flicker in Keladry's eyes (regret?) and her jaw tighten. "Yes, your Majesty."
My temper flared and my fingers clawed around the arms of my throne. Nothing. Not even an outburst in her defense, a plea for royal pardon. Mithros damn her and that thrice cursed Yamani pride!
I felt the barest touch of Thayets finger on the back of my hand. Patience.
"What have you to say for yourself?" Thayet's voice was soft, but commanding. Her eyes pinned Keladry; measuring.
"I did what my honor demanded your Majesties." The Lady Knight said, finally, her voice heavy. "I will not ask for mercy because mercy is for those who regret. Mercy is for those who desire forgiveness." Keladry's chin went up and her level stare was impressive in its intensity. "I'll gladly face Traitors Hill if it means my people are safe."
"You realize that the punishment for a knight of the realm to disobey their king is death?"
A nod.
"And that the punishment ranges from a simple hanging or beheading, to… less savory methods?"
Another nod, though this one seemed heavier, as if the Lady Knight was weighing her fate in her mind and found it a heavy burden indeed.
I sighed, heavily. "Lady Knight, you make it so terribly hard to be a king." How could I punish her? Perhaps if she'd failed or if she had been arrogant about circumventing my authority I could, in good conscience, demand her shield or have her hanged. She'd faced her death with more reserve than I'd expected from even the most level headed warriors, a feat I'd thought impossible for a chit of such youth.
However, I couldn't just have her go about, unpunished. The conservatives would take that as favoritism and the Crown's authority would be undermined. After all, if one knight was to go gallivanting off by themselves and be unpunished for what some would call treason, others would take that as a sign to do the same.
It was so hard to be a king.