Vale sat forward slightly, his dark eyes steady as he spoke.
"You've got resources, Isaac, and that's a wonderful thing. You can use those resources to poach people.
"But people who follow you just because you give them those resources will leave you the moment someone else offers more. That kind of loyalty doesn't last."
Isaac didn't argue. He let him speak.
Vale continued.
"And the ones who won't budge… the people who are loyal to the Governor? They're not weak. They've tied their futures to him. Some of them owe him their lives. You think they'll look the other way when you try to take the throne?"
"I'm aware of the consequences," Isaac said simply.
"No. I don't think you are." Vale leaned back, arms crossed, but his posture was still alert. "The Governor's been in power for years. He's cautious, patient, and he's built a loyal foundation."
Isaac studied him quietly, then asked, "So what are you really trying to say?"
Vale's lips thinned.
