I stepped forward too, my knees nearly buckling. "Your Majesty, I take full responsibility. I was ensuring they were briefed on the protocol. Please, don't let my lack of timing reflect on their devotion to the House."
Uncle Davis scoffed, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Drodd. "We don't need this farce, Kade. If this is the 'noble' stock we're inviting into the bloodline, we've already lost."
The Alpha paused, his hand on the door handle. The silence was deafening. I could feel Julian's gaze on the side of my face… that cool, analytical scrutiny waiting for the slip. Finally, the King let out a long, weary breath.
"Five minutes," the Alpha growled. "Sit."
The cameras were rolling before we even hit the chairs. I sat next to Kaeren, our shoulders almost touching, yet I felt like there was a canyon between us. Across from us, my family sat in a row. They looked perfect. That was the most terrifying part—they were professional liars.
