Then she saw it. Little details started clicking into place like tumblers in a lock - the familiar drawl in their murmured conversations, certain family names she recognized, even the way they carried themselves. Most were from the austral counties. Roma’s territory. His people.?.

The realization hit her like a punch to the gut, leaving her momentarily breathless. That clever bastard had managed to stack the pool right under their noses, exploiting venue rules she’d somehow missed while chasing bigger game. As her eyes met Roma’s knowing smirk across the courtroom, she could almost hear her father’s voice: “Always watch the quiet moves, Juni. They’re the ones that’ll get you.”