gh to find each other and build a family.

But still, facing this delegation? I’m a little glad that we’ve got some intimidating credentials to speak for us. Brave little mate, Sinclair says to me down the bond, making my smirk deepen. I’m glad you’re letting them see that you’re not scared of them.

Oh, I’m scared of them, I pass back, not bothering to look up at him for support.

But you’re right. There’s no reason for them to see it.

He gives me a warm nudge of support as the first line of five Atalaxians step forward and give a bow. The man at the far left of the line steps forward then, beginning to speak. He introduces himself first – the first and most significant member – and then moves on to each new delegate, who bows his heads to us each in turn.

I turn my head a little as this formal introduction progresses, because this is … odd. I understand that this reception has a rather official quality, but each of the greetings we’ve given to each delegation before this has been warm and chatty, with people introducing themselves warmly or greeting Sinclair and I as old friends, if they know us.

The Atalaxians? They don’t say a word, instead letting their singular speaker do all the work.

Still, I do my best to follow along as Rafe begins to fuss in my arms, not liking something – I don’t know what, though. I hold him higher, tighter against me, trying to pass a little calmness down our bond so that he can relax, maybe fall asleep. The baby responds to this, resting his head against my chest a little and settling.

The speaker finishes introducing the first line of delegates, which includes the predictable ambassadors and senators who have been sent to witness the coronation and have discussions about the future connections between our two nations.

when the first row clears, moving away and revealing the second row, I’m surprised to hear the speaker introduce a Prince, which

he steps forward and gives his bow, though I admit that I do not catch his name, which I

by him, if I’m being honest. He’s about my age, and tall, with dark hair and a handsome face with eyes

great deal slimmer than my own

don’t know how I know it, but I do – I’m absolutely sure of it. The prince nods steadily to Sinclair, looking serious but perhaps even a little bored, like he’s done this a thousand times. And then turns his eyes to me, but when our eyes meet he goes a bit rigid

reaction as he stands straight, staring at me for a long moment. Sinclair reacts instantly, a subtle growl building in his chest as he takes

himself in a second, his eyes flicking to Sinclair before he regains his bored composure, nodding to me, and then

confused, I look up at my mate, whose shoulders are

on earth

is dismissed and Rafe

know what he needs through little taps and pulses down the bond to which we respond as quickly as we can. It’s honestly the best part of being a wolf mother – and an

“I think I have to take him out,” I

us all here, for this delegation at least. If he cries, he cries. And I nod, understanding and

watch passively as they each step forward and nod to us. I nod in turn, though I admit

today, nothing. He’s just upset. My eyes are totally focused on

as advisor to

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