"Because it wasn't just punishment. It was a promise." Hiro spread his hands. "Every loyal man on this island saw those flames and understood: this is what the Dragon will do to anyone who tries to hurtus.”
“And us is?”
“Everyone on the island.”
“I thought so.”
“The pyre strengthens all as a family. That pyre says this is how far the Dragon will go if anyone messes withus. This is the line—and anyone who crosses it gets erased."
I thought about the Claws and Fangs. The way they looked at Kenji. The devotion in their eyes. "So. . .most of his people who saw that pyre today. . .they weren't traumatized?"
"No."
“It was a nightmare to me, but. . .what did they see?"
"Safety. Justice. A king who would burn the whole world to protect them." He smiled. "They’ll sleep better tonight."
I sat there stunned.
Hiro let the silence hold. He picked up my pencil, turned it over in his fingers, then set it back down. “If my brother had done less than that pyre today. . .all the Scales would have seen weakness. And weakness makes them afraid. And afraid men make mistakes. And mistakes get people killed."
He let that land.
“I’m realizing that. . .I’ve got a lot to learn.”
“But you knew that.”
“Not completely.”
“You did.”
“I don’t know about that. . .” I shook my head. “This morning I told Kenji that he should come to me before doing any major executions.”
Hiro stared at me for a few seconds and then laughed.
And I didn’t laugh with him.
So, he blinked, stopped laughing, and then widened his eyes. “Hold on. Are you serious?”
“Never mind.” I waved my hand. “Just pretend I didn’t say anything.”
“You’re really serious?”
“I just thought. . .” I swallowed hard. "I thought there was abetterway for next time. . .maybe a vote. Oh God. Never mind. I know I sound fucking naive right now.”
“A vote on what? My brother killing people? The Dragon?”
“Okay. We’re done talking about this.” I tried to hide my face in embarrassment.
“You asked my brother to vote with you before he kills someone?”
“Not vote. More like. . .kind of get my permission.”
Shock hit him. “Who’s permission again?”
“We’re not talking about this.”
Hiro laughed so loud I knew that the whole house heard him.
