"Mother, you cannot be serious—" Leon's voice trembled with disbelief.
"I am very serious," the Dowager Queen interrupted, her tone cold and unwavering. "You will not be king. You will not reclaim that title."
Leon stared at her, eyes wide with shock. How could she?!
"You can't do this to me," he protested. "I'm your son!"
The Dowager Queen's gaze hardened. "And I have failed as your mother. I allowed your arrogance to fester, your entitlement to grow unchecked. That ends now."
Leon clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "Fine! I'll return him. I'll bring Riven back, and we can forget this ever happened."
"It's too late for that," she replied, her voice laced with regret. "Your actions have consequences. You kidnapped the mate of an allied clan's leader, jeopardising our kingdom's diplomatic relations."
He scoffed. "So, what? You expect me to grovel at their feet?"
