"We wanted to raise some concerns. About the announcement yesterday." He paused, making the pause feel thoughtful rather than calculated, which was genuinely impressive. "About what three cubs from both chiefs means for the structure of tribal leadership going forward. About succession. Whether the merger vote should perhaps be revisited in light of this—development."
Faelyn looked at him.
'Revisited,' she thought. 'Not challenged. Not reversed. Revisited. That is a very careful word for what you are actually asking me.'
[I told you,] Puffball said. [Korin coached them well. That was genuinely well constructed. Threatening and completely reasonable-sounding at the same time.]
'I know. I hate it and I respect it and I hate that I respect it.'
The second elder leaned in slightly. "We raise this only out of concern for the stability of both tribes, blessed one. You understand."
