----Scarlet POV----
“The matter of Asten and his proclamation of choosing you as his mate. The future King cannot be without a Luna, not over a mere lapse in judgment. I am here to persuade you to accept him—for the future of this kingdom.”
“I mean no disrespect when I say this, Sire, but I’ve already spoken my truth on the matter. And I won’t be going back on it.”
“At the very least, hear me out. I know what he did was foolish—”
“Yes, it was incredibly foolish, Sire,” I cut in, unable to bite my tongue.
The King stiffened at my blunt interruption, the muscle in his jaw tightening. I hoped I hadn’t pushed too far.
“As I was saying,” he continued, his voice tight, “yes, he acted foolishly, and yes, he is impulsive. But that doesn’t mean he should suffer a punishment so severe. I am ap
