Ashley returned home after the council meeting, his expression thoughtful as he stepped into the villa. Emma was waiting for him on the balcony, and she turned as soon as she heard him approach.
"Father," she called. "How did it go?"
Ashley joined her and rested his hands on the balcony railing. "You were right. Samuel has made his move. He's pushing for the throne, and some of the elders are already supporting him."
Emma frowned. "I'm sure he must have bribed them."
"He may have. Either way, he's making enough progress that we can afford to ignore him for now."
Emma looked at him carefully. "Then what do we do?"
Ashley turned toward her. "You give him what he wants."
Emma's eyes widened. "Father?"
"The throne is part of the plan. Let Samuel believe he's won. Once he has it, we'll give him enough room to expose himself. When everything he's done comes to light, he'll lose the very crown he fought so hard to claim."
