{Ronan’s POV}

The voices around us had risen and fallen so many times it wasn't even surprising anymore. But their words were no less startled, hateful or abusive.

Every corner of the hall bristled with outrage, murmurs that quickly swelled into accusations.

“Disgrace,” one man spat.

“He has shamed the throne!” another yelled.

“Mate to a human? Lies and deception! He must be disqualified!”

The crowd pressed forward with their words, venom dripping from their tongues. I pulled Lisa against me, my arm circling her shoulders.

Her trembling stilled at my touch, but her face remained pale. Their hate was aimed at me, yet I knew the poison was sinking...