move. Neith

ll pounding from the moment our scents had collided, and my Lycan would

to

just what happened now - you found your mat

it. He took a step toward me too. Then another. The crowd seemed to part between us wi

every step. My chest felt stra

saw my

ing back. *I'll talk to Father.* I hesitated. Garret stopped where he was, his eyes se

ce. I turned aw

owly into a fist. I didn't see the hope drain out of his eyes. I

-

appened?

ked at me. "Wh

Lu

dened right away. "

what you

e having this co

I won't

tightened

and there and take a crown

ver suppose

't what yo

as being prepared

expected him t

o become whatever

isn't

ce dropped low. "Do you think ruli

ent. He ste

ve your brother, you can s

ause I love h

derstand what

rstand p

ife being prepared for this moment. You know the laws. You know ou

so kno

ou're thinking with your h

ms. "Maybe my he

t, neither of us said anything. Th

chang

No

ath

er was final. "

n't wa

doesn't

atters

ou'll understan

"You don't get to

to decide what an en

g. I looked awa

o convince t

Ye

to convince

Ye

o convince t

Ye

e cold. "Convince every person who has a voice in this kingdom. Convince

my hands. "A

e. "My decision s

im. "Then what

His voice softened j

e council, the nobles, the warriors. There had to be a way through this, and I wo

-

- music, laughter, everyone talking over everyone else - but I barely

I fe

I stopped where I stood. Warm. Musky. Earthy. The same sc

up slowl

nymore. His eyes found mine immediately, and something in my che

once - him coming toward

ck to mine. He didn't move. Neither did I. M

had just promised Luca I

ething I hadn't let myself see until now. I had a