LOGINLuna Phoebe's eyes widened at the mention of changing Elizabeth's schedule. "May I ask what you're considering?" She kept her tone carefully neutral, but her interest was genuine. Any shift in the princess's routine would inevitably affect her sons as well.
Alexander set down his cup, his expression thoughtful. "She has excelled beyond expectations in several areas. I believe it may be time to introduce more practical applications of her knowledge, perhaps
"Inform the kitchens to advance the welcome refreshments," he instructed the waiting steward. "And have Captain Thorne increase the honour guard by four. We will meet unexpected haste with unexpected formality."The king then summoned a messenger. "Tell my daughter that Alpha Frost approaches. She is to wear the silver heir mask with her reception attire."As the messenger departed, Alexander turned to the window, his eyes scanning the distant road that wound up to the palace gates. Early arrival or not, Frost would find no weakness to exploit today.In Elizabeth's chambers, the news arrived just as the seamstresses were completing the final adjustments to her gown. The princess absorbed the information without visible reaction, though her mind immediately began calculating the implications of this change.
Elliot absorbed this nuance with quiet interest. The protocol master was teaching them more than just the skills that they would need to understand; the willingness to try and get it right was more important than the mechanics. The message carried more weight than the execution, a fundamental principle of court politics that would serve them well in the hours ahead."We should move on to dinner protocols," Darian announced, gesturing toward a small table set with an array of cutlery that had been arranged at the edge of the courtyard. "Alpha Frost will observe your table manners with the same critical eye he applies to formal greetings."Buck stared at the intimidating array of utensils with undisguised dismay. At Thunder Peak, meals were straightforward affairs focused on nourishment rather than ceremony. The elaborate place setting before him might as well have been written in a foreign language."Begin from the outside an
Luna Phoebe's eyes widened at the mention of changing Elizabeth's schedule. "May I ask what you're considering?" She kept her tone carefully neutral, but her interest was genuine. Any shift in the princess's routine would inevitably affect her sons as well.Alexander set down his cup, his expression thoughtful. "She has excelled beyond expectations in several areas. I believe it may be time to introduce more practical applications of her knowledge, perhaps supervised visits to Thunder Peak and other allied territories."He paused, studying Phoebe's reaction. "Elizabeth has mastered theory, but ruling requires firsthand understanding of the lands and people under her protection.""That would be quite a change," Phoebe observed, choosing her words with diplomatic care. "Elizabeth has rarely left the palace grounds except for school.""Precisely why it's necessary." Alexander's voice carried the weight of a decision
Most concerning to Alexander was the possibility that these young wolves might disturb the delicate balance he had maintained for Elizabeth's protection. The princess had already shown unusual openness with the twins, a development that carried both promise and peril.In the quiet hours before dawn, the palace settled into the restless silence that preceded important days. Guards changed shifts with practised efficiency, servants prepared for early morning duties, and the royal family sought what rest they could before facing Alpha Frost's calculating gaze.Elizabeth finally surrendered to sleep, her dreams filled with dancing wolves wearing silver masks. In one chamber, Buck tossed restlessly, his competitive spirit already rehearsing potential challenges. In another, Elliot finally closed his eyes, his mind still mapping connections between observed behaviours and potential motivations.Luna Phoebe, more accustomed to cour
In his chambers down the hall, King Alexander sat at his desk reviewing security reports. The captain of the Royal Guard had increased patrols around the palace perimeter in preparation for tomorrow's guests.A knock at the door made him pause, “Enter.”“Forgive me, Your Majesty, her Highness asked me to bring you the Heir Mask Design for the Wedding,” Sara, the handmaiden of Elizabeth, from earlier that came to the private dining room, stated.Alexander set aside the reports and gestured for Sara to approach. The maid stepped forward with practised grace, presenting the design with a respectful bow.The king studied the drawing with careful attention, noting how Elizabeth had balanced tradition with individuality. The delicate silver filigree incorporated elements reminiscent of his late wife's mask, yet subtle modifications made it distinctly Elizabeth's own. Moonstone accents were positi
"Defer to your mother or myself," Alexander replied. "There is no shame in acknowledging the limits of your current knowledge, particularly as newcomers to court."Elizabeth studied Buck's expression, noting the uncharacteristic vulnerability beneath his usual confidence. "If you find yourself unsure," she offered quietly, "look to me. I can redirect the conversation if necessary."The princess's offer of assistance surprised both twins. Though they had spent the day witnessing her capabilities, this small gesture of support felt different, less about royal protocol and more about personal connection.King Alexander observed his daughter's interaction with the twins with careful consideration. Elizabeth's willingness to assist them reflected well on her character, yet he remained watchful for any sign that the Talley brothers might become a distraction from her duties. The balance was delicate, particularly with the complicated dynamics that would inevitably emerge as all three approa







