Garrick slammed his hand against the podium before Logan had even finished crossing the throne hall floor.
"Enough," Garrick said, his voice carrying across the gathered lords with practiced authority. "I call for a formal challenge, under the old right of any noble to question an heir's fitness before the full court."
Elena rose from her throne. "On what grounds?"
"On the grounds that this man cannot possibly understand the laws he is expected to uphold," Garrick said, turning to address the hall rather than Elena directly. "He was a slave until five years ago. He has no education in Alpha law, no training in court procedure, no understanding of the governance this kingdom requires. A man cannot rule what he does not comprehend."
Murmurs rippled through the gathered lords. Several nod
