And like his family, Cairistiona’s wasn’t known for its forgiveness or tolerance. Some of the worst blood feuds marring Andarion history had come from her lineage.

She ran her tongue over her right fang speculatively before she finally spoke. “Interesting… the last time I had a War Hauk kneeling before me, it was your father confessing how he’d dishonored me and broke his pledge to my lineage. Have you any idea how embarrassing that was for me?”

He glanced down to the burn scar on his arm as he remembered all the times he’d knelt before Dariana and had his pledge coldly and painfully refused in front of their families. “Yes, Majesty. I do, and I apologize deeply for any slight my parents have ever caused you.”

Tilting her head, she drummed her claws against the desk as she continued to watch him. He had no way of knowing what thoughts were going through her mind… if she intended to punish him for his parents’ transgression against her. As queen, she had full rank and privilege to do with him whatever she wanted. All Andarions were viewed as property and servants to their royal house, which was another thing that made his father’s actions against Cairistiona so egregious.

And it might have a lot to do with why she’d refused to have Nykyrian present at this meeting.

She stopped drumming her claws. “Rise, Dancer of the Warring Blood Clan of Hauk, son of Endine and Ferral, and tell me why you’ve so brashly requested this audience.”

Hauk stood slowly and made sure to keep his gaze averted from his queen. He might be best friends with her son, but it wasn’t his place to look their queen in the eye. “I’ve come to beg our most sovereign crown to allow me to take the place of the human woman you hold, Sumi Antaxas. Whatever her crimes, I offer my life for hers and will gladly accept her punishment in her stead.” His request was normally something a husband did for his wife, a father for his son, or a brother for a sister.

She narrowed her gaze on him. “And why would you beg me for the life of a human?”

He had to bite back his sarcasm that she’d disdain the human race so, especially given the fact that her sons were half human. Swallowing hard, he knew only one answer might sway the queen into granting his request for leniency. “She is my life, Majesty. I would not see her harmed.”

Cairistiona rose and moved to stand before him. She took his chin in her hand. “Look at me.”

He glanced at her eyes and then away.

“You’re stralen?” she asked in a shocked tone.

He nodded.

She dropped her hand from his face. “For this human?”

“Yes, Majesty.”