[Third Person].
Several elders nodded.
"Yes. A duel would silence every doubt."
"If she cannot dominate another wolf, how can she stand as Queen?"
"Strength must be visible."
Half the chamber were now murmuring in support.
Draven stepped forward slightly. His presence alone quieted the room a fraction. But before he could speak, his father rose from his seat.
"There is no need for theatrics." Randall's voice cut through the noise.
Immediately, all eyes turned to the former King.
"Meredith has fulfilled your stated condition," Randall continued evenly. "You said unless she has a wolf, she cannot be crowned. She has a wolf."
Then, his gaze swept across the elders. "Do not shift the goalpost now that you have been proven wrong."
A few elders looked uncomfortable, but Reginald did not.
