Put to the Sword

The Emperor wondered how he should go about with the proceedings.

"Sage," he said, authority all over his voice. 

Commander sage suddenly stood to attention. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Give me your sword."

Commander Sage was taken aback. He wasn't sure he had heard correctly.

"Pardon, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor sighed, exasperated. "Your f*cking sword, Sage! Give it to me."

Slowly, Commander Sage removed the sheathed sword from his waist and handed it to the Emperor. He flinched when the Emperor snatched it from his hands and stepped back cautiously. 

"Your Majesty, c-careful with that."