Garrick called an emergency council session before dawn, gathering a dozen lords into the private chamber before Elena or Logan had even woken to learn of it.
"I have evidence," Garrick announced, spreading the stolen documents across the council table, "that Logan Westwood is not simply a freed slave with an unusual bloodline. He possesses legitimate claim to sovereign territory spanning multiple kingdoms, including significant portions of our own lands. He has been gathering loyal guards within our own palace walls for weeks. He has demonstrated the ability to command wolves without speech. Lords, I believe we are watching the careful construction of a coup, built patiently beneath our notice while we debated legal clauses and marriage deadlines."
The council erupted into alarmed murmu
