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“How could you be so happy with a beast who can at any moment turn and run you through with his claws, just as they did with Tali? He doesn’t deserve happiness. None of you filthy shifters hiding your beasts with the skin of humanity deserves to act like you’re more than just the base monsters you are.”

“Don’t allow him to antagonize you.” Alessandro sent a message to every single shifter present. “He wants to provoke us to lose control. But he doesn’t know that we are more than that anger he’s given into.”

Those who had visibly had their hackles shaken tried to relax back into their chairs, scowls were the only hint of their offense.

“It is only a matter of time before you all show your true face, and now I’ve given the world time to prepare for that eventuality. The Coven was right about you, Rowan Dahl. You are a danger to the public. You are nothing more than a temporary fuck toy. They’re using your goodwill with the public to soften their appearance. You’re helping the wolves put on sheep’s clothing and you will get hundreds killed with that decision. I hope when it happens you can find it in yourself to rise against them. Like you rose against me and stripped me of the power of the staff. I don’t know how a Blessed could get their mission so fucking confused.”

Gasps and whispers broke out amongst the onlookers.

Rowan maintained a cool facade through it all, raising an eyebrow as if confused when he hurled out that last accusation.

Well, that had certainly been unexpected.

The steam evaporated from Antoni Barros with her lack of reaction. He tried to stare her down, but as Cherry had said, Rowan Dahl was stubborn.

“Are you finished with your defense?” The Goblin, who had stepped back each time someone took to the podium, asked from behind him when no more words came.

Barros bowed his head and took a step back to allow the minotaurs to undo his chains.

“We will give Judgement members an hour to decide their vote.” The goblin said, just as unaffected as Rowan was trying to seem, before he turned and walked off.

Conversation burst to life around them.

Alessandro glanced down at Rowan, who’d relaxed after everyone’s attention left her.

“That fucking asshole. How did he know?” She hissed angrily. “Kin doesn’t do sloppy work.”

“I don’t think he actually knows as much as suspects. The podium allows the witnesses to tell their honest belief of the truth, but beliefs are often unreliable.” Kyron answered. “You did well, not rising to take the bait.”

“I just want this to be over.” She groaned, standing up and dropping a kiss on Alessandro’s brow. “I gotta check on Louisa. I’ll be back.”

As she walked away, King Kyron slid his attention to him. “I take it she had talked you into not volunteering for his execution?”

Alessandro nodded.

“She can be surprisingly sharp.” Annabelle sighed. “I am sorry for all that you will have to endure because of this.”

Alessandro gave her a crooked grin. “We are strong, we will persevere. I have a separate query.”

Kyron raised an eyebrow. “Are you finally going to ask for our blessing in your mating?”

Heat colored Alessandro’s cheeks. “It did all happen suddenly, but this next part, I’m hoping, will happen a bit more traditionally to your people. I wish to ask her to marry me in the way of the elves. While I understand the overarching points, I would like to work out the finer details with your help.”

Annabelle’s eyes lit up. “Well, first, it is customary to ask for our blessing.” She put a hand on her chin. “Usually you’d come with gifts to entice us. I am particular to the leather corsets of your people and my husband enjoys your pastries.”

Alessandro let out a soft laugh. “I think I could arrange that.”

King Kyron raised an eyebrow. “All I really want is for her to keep that joy alive. If you can promise me that will be your life’s ambition, you have my blessing, Dragon King.”

“Well, not mine,” Annabelle scoffed. “I would like to be bribed. Not to make it into a competition, but Atlas gave me a stunning jewelry set that cost him a year’s worth of wage. Come over tomorrow night and I’ll show it to you while I give you a list of what’s expected for the traditional wedding, okay?” Annabelle grinned.

It was so like Rowan’s that Alessandro knew it would be hard to say no to her.

“I’ll be there.”

XOXOXO

Louisa had her arms around Rowan as soon as she got close enough. “I know you’re busy being a mate, but this has to be the last time I find out shit like this through a trial! When it comes time to volunteer, I’m raising my hand.” Louisa growled.