Neris said, silver eyes tightening. “The king’s choice.”
Lucian didn’t flinch. “Plainly: I want Talia as my mate and queen. The Council requested terms. I accept terms—within reason.”
He doesn’t hide it. He claims us before them all.
Judge Howell lifted his mic. His voice was gravel dragged over steel.
“Within reason means within law. The last queen died with a child in her. We will not bury another because feelings outran judgment.”
Mira’s gaze slid to Talia, venomous. “Feelings,” she murmured. “Cute.”
Kaela’s tail lashed. Let me at her.
Later, Talia soothed, though her fingers curled.
Howell continued. “Public terms: one, a bond contract. Private terms stay private. Publicly, the queen will serve the crown, protect the vulnerable, and—if the Goddess grants it—bear heirs at the pa
