Ivy’s POV
“Leon’s taking me to the council meeting again today,” I muttered as I stared at my reflection, adjusting the collar of my dress. “And I have… mixed feelings.”
Mira, who was carefully braiding my hair, raised a brow in the mirror. “Because you hate them?”
“Because I hate them,” I confirmed.
She laughed softly. “You don’t even try to sugarcoat it anymore.”
“They don’t deserve sugar,” I said dryly. “Most of them treat me like I’m still an outsider. Like I don’t belong beside Leon.”
“But you do,” Mira said gently. “More than anyone.”
I gave her a small smile. “Tell that to Elder Marwen next time he looks at me like I’ve poisoned Leon’s mind.”
Leon stepped into the room just then, adjusting the sleeves of his black coat. “We’re going to be late.”
I turned to him. “And what
