Lila's POV
Cadmus took it with no hesitation, pacing slightly as he spoke—projecting to the room, but targeting me.
“Our prince has returned after a two-year absence with a human girl on his arm,” he spat. “And while I understand youthful distraction, I believe it is our right to question whether this ‘princess’ has any place on the throne of Aruyios.”
My stomach flipped.
“What business is it of the Alliance who the young prince takes to bed, Cadmus?” the older Alpha—Arthur, I thought—asked with lazy disdain.
“Forgive me, Arthur, but she’s marked. Mated,” Cadmus snapped, pointing straight at me. “He intends to announce her as his future queen.”
I gasped, my hand instinctively flying to the mark on my neck. All eyes burned into me. The weight of them felt crushing.
Tobi shot to his f
