Mirabel’s POV

“She has to get an Alpha!” Elder Harus banged his fist on the council table hard enough that a cup jumped. For a second I thought the wood would split.

“Elder Harus, Her Majesty will choose a spouse. Give her time.” I kept my voice even.

“Time!” Harus spat. “Time! Princess Lyre has had five years to choose. She rejects every promising wolf!”

The other two elders sat silent but their faces agreed with Harus. Reinhardt and Derek sipped tea as if we were discussing ...