I gave a small shrug, though it felt heavier than it should have. "So people like me can have a chance at life."
"People like you?"
"Weaks."
"And who decides which people deserve that chance?"
"Me."
"That sounds convenient."
"It usually is."
Her eyes stayed fixed on mine, calm and unreadable. "Who do you kill?"
"Bad people, Your Majesty."
"And how do you determine whether someone is bad or good?"
"Common sense," I answered, meeting her gaze.
The Queen tilted her head slightly. "Would you kill a starving man for stealing bread?"
"No."
"What if he stole it from another starving family?"
I hesitated for a second. "Still no."
"Then theft alone is not enough for death."
"No."
"What about a man who violates a little girl?"
"Yes," I answered immediately.
"Even if he regrets it afterward?"
"Yes."
"What if he was drunk?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"What if he was raised in violence and knew nothing else?"
I frowned. "That explains it. It doesn't excuse it."
