Nobody moved.
"If you truly love her, then this isn't some childish attraction."
Bernard finally lifted his face fully.
"I do love her."
Elara turned sharply toward him, her breath catching softly.
Brandon held his stare for a long second before speaking again.
"Then understand this clearly, Bernard." His voice dropped lower. "Loving a princess is one thing."
The lounge fell still.
"But surviving what comes after is another."
Bernard's expression faded slightly.
Emma looked between both wolves, her heartbeat quickening.
She glanced at Brandon, her expression asking the question before she could.
He just shrugged.
Then he slowly leaned forward.
"And by tomorrow…" he said quietly, holding Bernard's stare, "the King will know everything."
The chamber fell silent.
Then his eyes hardened slightly.
"I hope you're ready for him," Brandon said quietly. "The King may be merciful…"
His eyes stayed on Bernard.
"But the laws aren't."
