The Council members were the first to try to breach the line.
The head Council member—a portly wolf with a red face and a voice like gravel—pushed his way to the front, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Your Highness!" he bellowed, his voice carrying across the hall. "This is unacceptable! You cannot simply give away territory from the kingdom without Council approval!"
Caleb's expression remained calm, almost serene.
"The Council's approval was not required," he said, his voice smooth and measured. "This is a matter of royal prerogative."
The head Council member's face grew even redder.
"Royal prerogative?" he sputtered. "Since when does the Crown have the authority to—"
"Since always," Caleb interrupted, his voice sharpening. "The Crown has the authority to reorganize pack territories,
