"Did you hear? The young Alpha heir petitioned the Supreme Alpha himself for the mating rites. He traded his military honors for the Silvercrest Moonstone Circlet, the one reserved for Alpha-blooded brides!"
"Well, his intended mate is the Grand Advisor's legitimate daughter. She deserves that kind of ceremony."
"They're perfectly matched in rank. What a striking pair they'll make."
The Moonstone Circlet they spoke of had been my favorite treasure in the Silvercrest Den. I'd never worn it only because I hadn't yet come of age for a mating ceremony, so my father never bestowed it on me.
On my own mating night with Caelan, the only thing on my head had been a wreath of wildflowers he'd woven with his own hands.
He'd said to me then: "My Seraphina deserves the finest things in this world. Even a pack princess's circlet wouldn't be too good for you."
And now he had traded his military honors to give that very circlet to Sable Ashveil.
That evening, Caelan came carrying a whole box of my favorite pastries.
He sat across from me, his expression perfectly composed. "Eat something. The pup must be hungry."
Only then did I pick up a piece and take small, careful bites.