Xavier
The air in the council chamber was thick with tension as I took my seat at the head of the table, the weight of tradition and expectation pressing down on me. I could sense the unease radiating from the men gathered around the long oak table, their stiff postures betraying their carefully schooled expressions.
These men had served my father before me, and though they had proven their loyalty, they had never been afraid to speak their minds—especially when it came to matters they deemed important for the kingdom.
Today was no different.
I had barely taken a bite of the breakfast brought to me when my advisor, Marcus, informed me of the council's insistence on holding this meeting. I knew what it was about before a single word had been uttered. My choice of mate—Annalise—had been
