The prince interposes himself between the assassin and his captain, his blade aglow with its own energy.  He catches the outstretched claw and uses the momentum to send the wolf flying to the side.  "Look.  At some point we may be able to save her.  But for now the mage and my father have too much power.  My influence with the people will only go so far.  I'm sorry for your friend, and the one responsible will suffer, but I can't let you do this."  He steals a look at Katty as he speaks, as though pleading with her to keep this quiet, to forget what he is saying, for he knows her true feelings.