Power does not forgive decisiveness.
It tests it.
The censure had stabilized public confidence.
But it had also unsettled Parliament.
Because what Mira had done was rare.
She had censured the man she loved.
Publicly.
Without flinching.
To some, it was integrity.
To others, it was terrifying.
If she could do that
What wouldn't she do?
Three days after the grid crisis settled, the motion surfaced.
Not explosive.
Not theatrical.
Procedural.
Motion 214-B: Temporary Limitation of Executive Emergency Authority Pending Oversight Review
Translation:
Parliament would reduce her emergency power duration from seventy-two hours to twenty-four.
No removal.
No impeachment.
Just restraint.
It was subtle.
Strategic.
A test.
Daniel brought the document to her personally.
"They're nervous," he said evenly.
"I expected that."
"You acted decisively."
"Yes."
"You acted independently."
"Yes."
Silence.
"They're concerned about concentration."
