"I need time to think."
The words echoed in Selene's mind the next morning as she prepared for council. The excuse she'd given Alaric. The delay she'd bought.
But how much time did she actually have? How long before he pressed for an answer? How long before patience turned to pressure turned to force?
Mara came to her chambers before dawn. Slipping in silently as always. Bringing medicine and updates.
"He's ready," Mara said quietly. "Damian. He's fully recovered. Strong enough to make a public appearance. Strong enough to fight if necessary. We can move whenever you're ready."
"Alaric proposed last night. At the tomb. Asked me to marry him."
Mara's expression darkened. "What did you say?"
"That I needed time to think. That it was too soon. That the court would object."
"Good. That buys us time to coordinate the reveal. But we need to move soon. Before he loses patience. Before he tries to force your hand."
