"There is more," Garrick said, his voice carrying renewed, calculated confidence as he unrolled the document fully now before the gathered council members who had cautiously assembled throughout the chamber. "This provision does not simply establish grounds for challenge. It names a temporary regent, specifically designated should such circumstances ever arise."
Elena's breath caught sharply. "Who?"
Garrick's expression carried something close to triumph now despite his otherwise collapsed military position. "Myself," he said simply.
The chamber erupted into stunned, disbelieving murmurs, several council members exchanging alarmed glances as they processed this devastating, unexpected claim.
"This is absurd," Elena said sharply. "My father would never name you regent, Garrick, particul
