His mouth near the microphone, Nicholas paused a moment as if thinking. Then he spoke.

“Miss Piper was chosen by the ceremony, and the royal family will honor that choice.”

He continued, “One of the many crises we face as a people is a low birthrate among werewolves. Any mother, especially one raising a child on her own, is to be commended.”

He paused, again gathering his thoughts. The way he spoke was purposeful and careful, each word carefully considered.

“Piper represents the cultural progression of our kingdom. We, collectively, have moved beyond the era of allowing only young maidens to be Luna. Now, any woman can have her chance.”

A few claps sounded in the audience, before the reporter spoke up again. “In addition to being a single

mother, isn’t Piper also a non–werewolf?”

“Neither non–werewolves nor single mothers will face discrimination by this royal family,” Nicholas said,

faster to respond than he had been before.

My heart pounded. That sounded like a defense of me. I forced that feeling down. No, he was defending.

his family from potential ridicule, not me.

insist he

us and the strength of this kingdom. Change is not a death of tradition, merely an evolution of

finished

claps sounded. Many of the

him in awe. He’d clearly had his reservations about me, but his answer had

born for this, I realized. Raised to be

Raised to be King.

were simpler, asked to gain soundbites from the princes regarding the beauty and poise of each

most of

No one mentioned me.

reporter asked, “Will the political strength of the different packs influence

choices at all?*

of each candidate

reporter tried to say. The King quickly cut him

be broadcasted live, everyone will have

individual girl. The princes will follow

make the correct choices.”

reporter silenced, he

ended shortly

family returned inside first, with the candidates

room, one of my

event on television,” she said.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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