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Her wording was very particular, clearly to let me know that she had heard my conversation with Erik from the terrace that night, that she had caught the slight to her when I’d had Aria on my arm rather than her.

Her mother died that night.

A brutal rejection, and then the loss of the only family she had.

A part of me wonders what would have happened if Maya had stayed. I wouldn’t have been able to control myself. My wolf still mourns at the thought of my mate’s pain, wanting to offer her comfort. There are times I can still feel a hint of the bond between us, weakened by my verbal rejection that she heard, buried under the layers of grief wrapped around her heart.

But I harden my resolve. Better she hate me than the alternative. A world without Maya is not one I’m willing to live in.

I refold the note carefully, returning it to its place before making my way to the council chamber. The elders rise as I enter, bowing with varying degrees of sincerity. Elder Vane’s bow is barely more than a nod, his face tight with fear and anger.

“Your Majesty,” Elder Thorne begins as we take our seats. “The reports from the healers are grim. This new strain of the disease—”

“I’ve read the reports,” I interrupt coldly. “Twenty-three new cases today. Three hundred forty-two total.”

“My daughter,” Elder Vane cuts in, “is dying.”

The room falls silent at the raw emotion in his voice. Six months ago, I might have offered comfort. Now, I merely nod in acknowledgment.

“All of our healers are working to adapt Dr. Sorin’s original antidote,” I say. “Progress is being made.”

“Not quickly enough,” Elder Vane retorts. “Aria has perhaps a week, if that. And she is not the only one in critical condition.”

Elder Monroe, whose grandson is among the afflicted, speaks up. “Your Majesty, we must consider all options. If Dr. Sorin could be persuaded to return—”

“Dr. Sorin made her position clear when she left,” I say flatly. “She will not be returning.”

“Have you even tried to contact her?” Elder Vane demands, protocol forgotten in his desperation.

“No,” I admit. “Nor will I.”

The council erupts in murmurs of shock and disapproval. Only Elder Blackwood remains silent, watching me with shrewd eyes.

“You would let my daughter die rather than face your human mate?” Elder Vane’s voice rises dangerously.

“My mate?” I laugh coldly. “Wasn’t it just a few months ago that you refused to acknowledge Maya as my fated mate? And you and your daughter were trying to persuade me to take her as my mate, instead?”

The man’s face pales.

“Maya Sorin is not my mate,” I say coolly, my eyes on him, each word precise and cutting. “And I will not drag her back here against her will.”

“Then send someone else,” Elder Monroe suggests. “Surely she would not refuse to help if she understood the severity of the situation.”

I consider this.

“Perhaps,” I concede. “But whom would you send? Most of our diplomats are unavailable, already engaged in negotiations with the Northern and Eastern Kingdoms.”

“I will go,” Elder Vane offers immediately.

I shake my head. “No. Your place is with your daughter.” Plus, I don’t trust him not to use force if persuasion fails. Despite everything that is happening here, I will not allow Maya to be coerced.

“Then who?” Elder Blackwood asks, speaking for the first time.

A stillness settles over me. “I will go.”

The council stares at me in collective disbelief.

“Your Majesty,” Elder Thorne protests, “in these uncertain times, the kingdom needs its king present.”