''Your majesty,'' said Beta Elden, the oldest member of the council. His voice was steady, but I could see the frustration in his eyes from my drifting off again. ''We really must discuss the security for the festival. We'll have outside pack members here.''
''I know, Elden, it's not my first festival.''
''But it is the first time you're in charge of the security, so can you please focus.''
I exhaled. My brothers had each taken their turn, and things had gone off without a hitch, so now it was my time to shine.
''What do we need to prepare?'' I asked.
As we outlined the plans over the next few hours, I felt a spark of determination. I didn’t want to be just a figurehead. I wanted to connect with my people. I wanted them to see that I cared, and that they were safe with me.
''What is
