Augustus’s expression was neutral, but not unkind. He was Lorendale’s benevolent father, after all, and Ikisina was one of the kingdom’s children. But that did not mean that children did not need discipline on occasion. He had some empathy for her, he supposed: He’d heard the report, and formed his own opinions. A girl without means or position, taken in by an older male ‘benefactor’ who had no doubt had his own agenda, as men often did. But the girl was still responsible for her own decisions, and she’d fully confessed to her wrongdoing. Now all that remained were the consequences.

“You cannot stay here forever, Miss Navarro,” Augustus said in his calm, patient manner, “But neither can you leave this palace without an assurance you will not do further harm. So, Miss,” Augustus held his hand out and the soldier behind him stepped forward and put a brass collar into his hand.

“You either stay in prison or leave with the proper restraints. Which will it be?”

Augustus was not particularly moved by the display. His voice, however, was still calm and kind. “Your gift did do harm, Miss Navarro. You admitted it yourself.” For she’d confessed, hadn’t she? Of her own admission, she had no control. And an uncontrolled gifted, however innocuous their gift might seem at the surface, was not something they needed at present.

“It is.” Augustus said, motioning for the guard to come forward. If Ikisina would allow, the guard would close the collar around her neck.

Augustus hardly heard her. Ikisina was someone without status or function, one who’d been nothing but trouble since the moment she’d been pushed into the queen’s vision. Augustus had no time for her groveling. The collar would close around her neck with a final click.

“You’ll report to authorities here at the palace once every two days to account for your whereabouts and activities,” Augustus said, “If such a time comes where your parole officer determines that you’re safe to move amongst the people with your gift again, your case will come under review. Until then…” Augustus looked at her sternly, “Focus not on your gift but on how you can serve Lorendale without it.”

Augustus considered the matter finished. Classism and prejudice were scourges in any era, and justice in any era was subjective as a result. But in this time, in Lorendale, gifteds could not be trusted, and those without means or status were subject to second-class treatment. Augustus was not a malicious man, but was a product of his upbringing, same as any.

With a nod, Augustus departed with his guard it two, leaving one behind to see Ikisina out of the palace.