Lyra POV

That statement causes an uproar.

Marie grabs Richard's arm and pales, her nails digging into his skin.

"Richard, what's going on?" She whispers faintly, and Richard glances at his wife distractedly.

"I have no idea," he mutters to his mate, kissing her temple and rising from his seat.

"Order," the man at the head of the Council table roars, banging the gavel against the table as hard as he can.

The table cracks, and one of the legs breaks in half, the rest of the Council looking hugely uneasy.

The crowd doesn't stop; the chattering only gets louder.

Hayden sits calmly, clasping his hands.

"What child are you...