Auren POV

“Alpha Orlin,” Queen Elara said, surprise lacing her tone. “I see you took last night’s conversation to heart.” I swallowed the bite in my mouth, inclined my head once. “Yes, Your Majesty. I take this very seriously. My defensiveness over my mate was misplaced. I trust her and we are here to negotiate peace. I must trust you if this is to work.”

She hummed, but didn’t touch her plate again.

“Did you sleep well out on the balcony?” Aelira asked from across the ...