“And what if he chooses wrong?” I asked. “If the king decides to protect his council to protect his crown? If he brands us dangerous?” The scenario slid behind my words like a knife.

Prince Leon’s hand tightened on his glass. “Then we burn the court. We bring the evidence to the people and to allied packs. We march. I have allies who will stand with me if I give them reason. You make them see that the council is rotten. But first we buy ourselves leverage.”

I let his meaning ...