Stinger continued, "We need to keep doing this, creating a safe environment for her. Sierra needs to know that it's safe to come forward, that she won't be hurt."
Markus nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "We'll keep at it. Thank you for supporting her, Stinger."
Stinger's response was calm and resolute. "It is our responsibility to take care of her."
Markus hummed in approval as he prepared to leave the room, royal responsibilities calling him. However, he could still sense Stinger at the surface, unusually present. Markus paused and asked, "Is everything okay?"
"Yes," Stinger replied. "I was just looking at her human counterpart. She will make a beautiful queen if she accepts us."
For a second, Markus was in shock. "What do you mean, if she accepts us?"
Stinger removed the
