The playful, punishing promise Roxy had whispered against Caspian's chest was forcefully put on hold the very next morning.
News of Queen Roxy's successful delivery and the birth of a female White Tiger cub had spread across the continent like wildfire. The Iron-Wood Manor, which had been a quiet sanctuary during the Wither-Rot plague, was suddenly thrust back into the bustling, vibrant center of Beastworld politics.
Representatives from the allied territories traveled through the dense forests to pay their absolute respects to the Matriarch and to welcome the new royal heir.
By midday, the expansive front courtyard of the Manor was a chaotic, joyful sea of arriving carriages, massive shifted beasts, and chattering children.
"Make room by the eastern wing for the dragons to land!" Kaelen's booming, authoritative voice echoed across the cobblestones, directing the Iron-Wood guards as the first guests arrived.
