She looked across the room. "The arrangement is documented. The consent is verified. The medical necessity is certified by a qualified physician. If anyone has specific questions about governance implications, I'm prepared to address them. The floor is open."
Silence for several beats.
Then Harren stood.
His face was still flushed, but he'd visibly reined himself in during her statement—adjusted his approach in real time to the reality that the ambush he'd planned had been converted into something completely different. "Your Highness," he said, voice controlled but strained. "You've presented documentation. But documentation can be prepared retroactively. Consent under a magical collar system is inherently compromised. And regardless of medical framing—" he paused significantly, looking around the room as if gauging support, "—the fundamental question remains whether a regent who conducts herself in this manner is suitable to hold governance authority over an empire."
