Lucien

Abel stepped into my office without hesitation, closing the door behind him. His expression was serious, the kind that usually meant more trouble.

“What do we do about the council?” he asked as he approached my desk. “They have sent another letter. It’s the same as the last one. They are asking why you haven’t responded.”

I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms across my chest. “What exactly are they expecting from me?” I asked, my tone edged with irritation.

Abel stopped in front of me. “They want a clear answer. Either you agree to take a wife, or you meet with them and explain why you...