Hazel took in the silence, the eyes on her, and the hostility behind. She nearly cowered, but knowing whose mate she was and wanting to prove to everyone here that she belonged, she braced herself and took a step forward. One step at a time.
The more she moved, the less tense she became, and once the door closed behind her, the council rose to their feet.
"Your Majesty," they all said in perfect synchrony.
Hazel paused, surprise by that hut she was quick to remember the rules. This was an official gathering, and here, ranks were everything. As queen, she outrank everyone present here except for the king himself.
At this realization, Hazel smirked and resumed her steps. Her gaze locked on the man slowly rising to his feet to welcome her as well. She could see the pride in his eyes as they held her own. That alone boosted her confidence even further.
A wide grin threatened to break from her lips, but she held it back. She could do when aline with him but not here. Not now.
