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“Yeah,” I say happily.

Kael raises his hand slightly to quiet everyone. Like a wave, everyone goes silent. You can hear the clicks of cameras sporadically, but no one speaks.

“I want to thank everyone for coming out today. We have a few announcements to go over,” Kael says. “First and foremost, we would like to take the time to introduce you to our mate, your queen, Lilith. She will be officially crowned one week from today. We will release the information to the public as soon as we can so everyone can make arrangements.”

The crowd erupts into cheers, and I can’t help but grin. It feels incredible to be accepted like this. I have always felt like I was stuck in the shadows of the world, only meant to serve others. As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming someone people could look to for help. I think this is my chance to make that dream come true.

“The next thing we want to talk about is going to be a bit harder for some to swallow. We want to be transparent in the fact that collectively as kings, we must take on some of the blame for how bad things have gotten for certain species within our country,” Daemon says. “The Fox shifters in this country have been treated poorly. We have received reports of people in power abusing their privileges with maidens. There have been several situations of that abuse leading to the repetitive and long-term assault of not just the maidens, but fox shifters in the general public as well.

No one should have to fear taking a train in fear of someone abusing their power and assaulting them. No person in this country is any better or less than anyone else, regardless of species. To reach the goal of ensuring no one is treated less than, we are officially disbanding the maiden program. Any maiden who is currently assigned is free to leave their posting. They are under no obligation to serve anyone but themselves. Fox shifters are no longer under shifting or employment restrictions.

“With that being said… Today, Brion Morwen and Zypher Fallins were relieved of their duties as mayor and councilman. We will be working toward a new beginning for everyone, so we will continue to set examples when we need to. We will have a replacement for Mr. Morwen as soon as possible, but we will be keeping a close eye on everything as we go through these changes.”

“And understand that this is not up for debate,” Callum says. “There is no logical argument for anyone to make that can stand behind the injustice that fox shifters have faced for entirely too long.”

“Are you changing your stance on maidens and fox shifters because you are mated with a maiden fox?” a man asks.

“In part, yes. Lilith brought the injustices to our attention. She was blunt with us about how fox shifters and maidens are treated. Zypher Fallins was her last master before she came to us, and what she endured is what led to his immediate removal from the council. These claims were confirmed by his new maiden. We are currently investigating sexual assault accusations against Brion Morwen. At this time, he is being removed from office until the scope of his crimes can be assessed and judgment passed,” Kael says.

“Would you have made these decisions if she had not been your mate?” the man asks.

“No matter how the injustice was presented, the result would have been the same,” Daemon says. “Do you think foxes are being treated fairly, or should they be given a chance at the same life as everyone else?”

“That’s how it has always been; why change things?” the man says.

“We should be moving forward as a country, not remaining stationary,” Daemon says professionally. “That is all the questions we will be taking today. When we have more information to provide on the crowning ceremony, we will. Thank you.”

Daemon, Kael, and Callum lead Leli and I away from the media. A little boy, no older than five, comes running at me. Out of instinct, I kneel to catch him in a hug as his arms are outstretched.

“I wanted to give this to you, Queen Lilith,” he says sweetly, handing me a slightly wilted rose.

“Oh, thank you. That is very kind of you,” I smile. “I will be sure to take good care of it.”

“I am so sorry,” a frazzled woman says as she hurries over to her son. She bows deeply to me before grabbing her son. “He was just so excited when he overheard his father and I talking about the rumors of a queen. I truly apologize, Your Majesty.”

“It’s okay,” I smile. “I happen to love roses.”

“Thank you for what you are doing for the fox shifters,” she says to the guys. “It means a lot to all of us to know that we have the royal families working toward giving us a better life.” She picks up her son and scurries off. As she walks away, the little boy waves to us and smiles brightly when we all wave back.

“He was adorable,” I say with a smile.

“He was,” Daemon says as we walk to the car. “We need a description of the guard.”

“You’re really doing this, aren’t you?” I ask.

“Yes, ma’am,” he says, cupping my cheek. “What did he look like?”

“Uhm… I think he was a wolf shifter. He has black, greasy hair and a pornstache. He’s probably mid-thirties, six feet tall, and has a bit of a belly,” I say. “Oh… he has some serious body odor going on. Just generally the type that you hope doesn’t notice you.”

“What color was his uniform?” he asks.

“Blue.”

“Okay,” Daemon smiles and kisses me. “Callum and I will be home later tonight. Try not to stay out too late in the library, please. You need sleep.”

“No promises. I have help now,” I say with a smile. Daemon shakes his head and looks at Kael.

“Don’t look at me. She shocked me the last time I fucked with her. I’m not going against two of them,” he laughs.