They're doing it on purpose. Even the law guy said this isn't such a big deal but the old blond dude made him give the worst punishment because they're trying to ruin her.
A similar situation pops up in The King and I when the English schoolteacher gives a copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin to the very young crown price (of a country where slavery was not only legal but necessary in keeping in economic pace to European powers.) The king there was gracious in giving her a warning the prince's education should not include such radical thoughts that end in a total revolution of societal and economic upheaval.
In this story, however, it has been made clear they only want the young emperor as figurehead. They want to remove the only person who has his best interests at heart (Alicia) and have just found a reason. They made it public so they could generate more of a stir so no one would argue. She's saving Elise's life at the expense of her brother's. The trap has been sprung and the only power she has now lands squarely in Ares' lap; he has asked for her trust and now, he must prove its worth.
F*cking hate those two for doing it but it it was clear from the original story plot the young emperor was doomed; they were already the antagonists.
Aren't they just making mountains out of a mole hill...? It's just a book. Who gets executed over a book.