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I’m about to continue on my way when Elder Vane steps into my path, his expression carefully composed into something resembling concern.

“Your Majesty,” he says with a bow that’s just a beat too short to be properly respectful. “May I have a word?”

I incline my head slightly, betraying none of the wariness I feel. “Of course, Elder Vane.”

He guides me to a small alcove off the main corridor, far enough from passing ears to offer some privacy. The calculated look in his eyes tells me exactly what this is about before he even speaks.

“I understand you’ve been...reacquainting yourself with the palace,” he begins delicately. “And its residents.”

I remain silent, watching him.

“It’s only natural, of course, after such a long absence,” he continues, his voice dropping lower, “to seek comfort wherever one may find it.”

I resist the urge to bare my teeth. “Is there a point to this conversation, Elder Vane?”

He straightens slightly, his mask of concern slipping to reveal the ambition beneath. “My daughter, Aria, has grown into a remarkable young woman during your absence, Sire. She would make an excellent queen. A worthy mate for the king. The council would overwhelmingly support such a union.”

“I see.”

When I don’t offer anything further, his expression tenses. “What I’m trying to say, Your Majesty, is that it would be for the best if you sent that human scientist elsewhere. Her presence in the palace is unnecessary.”

“Unnecessary?” I ask quietly, dangerously.

He waves a dismissive hand. “She’s a temporary diversion, I’m sure. Pleasant enough while you readjust to your position. No one would begrudge you your...entertainment. But when it comes to choosing a queen—”

“I’ve already found my queen,” I interrupt him, my voice deceptively soft.

Elder Vane’s expression freezes. “Surely you don’t mean—”

“Maya Sorin is my fated mate.”

The words land between us like a gauntlet thrown. His eyes widen, then narrow with calculation.

“A human?” He almost spits the word. “As your fated mate? That’s...unfortunate.”

“I consider it anything but,” I reply evenly.

“The council will never accept a human queen,” he says, his voice hardening. “It’s unprecedented. Unacceptable. My family’s support—”

“Your family’s support is appreciated but not required,” I cut him off, my patience rapidly thinning. “Have you forgotten what occurred when Cedric Raine’s council challenged his choice of mate?”

Elder Vane pales visibly. Everyone knows what happened to the nobles who tried to separate Cedric from Leanna. The king of the North isn’t known for his mercy.

“Are you threatening me?” he asks, voice suddenly tight.

“I’m merely reminding you of recent history,” I say calmly. “And I suggest you consider very carefully whether threatening to withdraw support from your rightful king over his choice of mate constitutes treason under our laws.”

He takes an involuntary step back, his face flushing with a mixture of fear and anger. “I have only ever acted in the kingdom’s best interests.”

“Then, continue to do so,” I advise, “by accepting the mate the Goddess has chosen for me. Unless you believe your judgment is superior to hers?”

He doesn’t answer, which is wise.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I say, inclining my head with perfect formal courtesy, “I have duties to attend to.”

I leave him standing there, rigid with barely contained fury.

I only makeit one day before Aria tracks me down in my office, the one that Erik has more than happily vacated.