VLADIMIR
For the sake of the plan I had in mind, I married the daughter of my enemy. The ring that now bit into my finger felt like a brand pressed against my skin. The wedding ceremony was over. What remained was drinking and a show of celebration, though it felt hollow.
I had no intention of siring an heir with the last descendant of the moon goddess, who turned out to be my enemy's daughter. My plan was to pretend I intended to, to placate the elders, and then quietly cast aside their faith in the prophecy.
I do not believe in rings, and yet I wore one. The elders would likely think I had finally settled down and was preparing for a pup, since I had been mateless and without pups. Their faces in the hall, however, betrayed more doubt than delight.
An elder approached and murmured, "
