King Caerbhall had been building up his patience for years. After more than eight centuries he could still not say that he loved his wife, not even because she was his mate, but he had no choice but to tolerate her, for there were too many and too dangerous secrets they shared.

However, up to this point, the queen mother had always tried to keep out of his affairs, and the king had taken good care in keeping an eye on her. But this time Erea's intrigues had exceeded his expectations.

“Did you send for the court in Nunavut?!” he shouted, entering her chamber and gesturing for her guard to get out.

The queen gave him an innocent look that even she couldn’t believe.

“Of course.”

“With whose permission? You didn't consult me on it at all!” said the king.

“I didn't know the lycan queen needed permission to gather her court,” Erea hissed.

“Why did you send for them?”

“For no particular reason. I just wanted to move up the fall meeting of the packs,” the queen declared. “That reserve is big