"Your Majesty, why have you called me at this late hour?" asked Ian Wildermoon, the youngest member of the Royal Council.
Raidan, the Alpha King, was seated in the private lounge area of his chamber. He lifted his head from the tablet he was holding, his expression grave.
"Take a seat, Ian," Raidan instructed.
Ian nodded curtly and moved with practiced grace, settling onto the upholstered chair directly across from the King. He watched as Raidan lowered the tablet to his side and then formally clasped his hands on the table.
"The volume of hate directed toward my eldest son and his wife has intensified dramatically," Raidan began, his voice low and serious. "Zilia has never once made a move against the royal family, yet the public refuses to see past their prejudice. The corrupt officials who betrayed my trust were not scrutinized with this level of venom. I understand that our position demands flawless conduct, but this level of hostility is excessive."
