THE JOINT RULEThe air in the camp was still buzzing after Demetrius walked away from the council. I could feel the stares on our backs—some were confused, some were disappointed, but most were just shocked. Nobody walked away from a crown. Nobody.

We reached our tent, and the moment the heavy fabric fell shut behind us, Demetrius let out a long, shaky breath. He leaned his forehead against the center pole of the tent, his shoulders finally dropping.

"You really did it," I whispered, walking ...