“You could execute them,” Birgitte said. They both stared at her. “What?” Birgitte said. “It’s what they deserve, and it would establish a hardfisted reputation.” “It’s not right,” Elayne said. “They should not be killed for supporting someone else for the throne. There can be no treason where there is no Queen.” “So our soldiers can die, but the nobles bloody walk away?” Birgitte asked. Then she raised a hand before Elayne could protest. “Spare the lecture, Elayne. I understand. I don’t agree, but I understand. It’s always been this way.”
