Chapter 73

Daniel had grown up with me in the palace; he was the son of one of my father's officers. Much to his father's dismay, he had chosen books over fighting. He left for the tribunal after he received his Bronze bracelet to avoid further conflict with his father. "Tell me, Dan, how much trouble am I in?" I asked as we sat down on a bench in one of the courtyards. "Jason Blackmore has always been looking for a reason to depose Theodore. You've given him an out, but he's going to milk this for as much as he can. I looked over the terms you sent me, he'll agree to them. Negotiate lower so that you can convince him that he's getting more than you're willing to give. He's feeling greedy, Jon, so play into that." Daniel said. I nodded. "And the judges? Who is overseeing the trial?" I asked. "Dembe Malachi." Dan said. I shuddered. He was a formidable one, and he had a distaste for royals because of a falling out between him and my grandfather long ago. "He's tough, but fair. Your bes