While Kieran and I were still talking, there was a sudden knock on the door.
A guard stepped inside the chamber, head bowed low. "My lady," he said, not looking me in the eyes, "I've been sent to remind you. The Ritual of the Wolfstone is to commence at midmorning. Preparations are complete."
I blinked. "The… what?"
"The annual rite," he said slowly, as if I might've hit my head harder than anyone realized. "To reaffirm the goddess's favor. It's what every ruler does.
A tradition stretching back to—"
"I know what it is," I cut in, trying not to let my voice tremble. "I'd simply forgotten today was the date."
That was a lie. A bad one.
The guard didn't say anything else. He bowed again, then left in silence.
The door clicked shut behind him. I turned slowly to Kieran.
He was already watching me, his brow drawn, worry etched plainly on his face. "You're not ready. You can't do it."
