The murmurs in the council chamber still echoed when Selene stepped forward, every gaze fixed on her. The sharp scent of incense and the weight of judgment filled the air. Kaelen’s voice had just declared her his favorite, and already, she could feel the hatred growing around her, people marking her as the enemy.

Her father’s face was rigid, a mask of disbelief and concealed fury, he was moving to collect the gift. He wanted to speak, but Selene beat him to it.

“Your Majesty,” she said ...