“They asked for Elowen,” he said stiffly.
“I know,” I replied, my voice cool and even. “But Elowen can’t stomach being Luna to a cursed man. So I’ll take her place.”
He exhaled sharply, then the sharp lines of calculation began to soften his face. “It could work,” he murmured. “Their demand is met, the alliance holds, our northern border stays secure. I’ll have the council begin preparations—”
“I expect payment.”
His head snapped up. “What did you just say?”
I met his gaze without flinching. “You’re bartering me off for convenience, not affection. So if I’m to be chained to a man who may never wake—all to protect your precious bastard daughter—I want something in return.”
His jaw tightened. “Lyra, don’t start with theatrics—”
“I want half of the treasury,” I cut in, stepping forward. “Not a ceremonial dowry. Half of the pack’s gold. Including your private reserves.”
He bristled. “That would ruin me.”
“Perfect.”
He looked at me as though I were a stranger—perhaps realizing that he had never really known me at all.
“And,” I added, turning for the door, “I want Kael reassigned.”
His brows lifted. “To whom?”
“To Elowen. He’ll be her guard now.”