Silence settled like a heavy blanket, suffocating any whispers that dared to rise. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, King Oberon broke the stillness.
"General," he called out, his voice echoing through the chamber.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he answered, trying to maintain a semblance of calm.
The king's gaze bore into him, unyielding. "Do you have a mate?" Oberon asked, his tone deceptively casual.
The question caught the general off guard. For the first time, he was genuinely befuddled, and he stuttered as he replied, "Of course, Your Majesty. I have a lovely wife—"
"I mean," King Oberon cut him off sharply, his voice like a whip, "a soulmate. Not a regular wife anyone can marry. Do you have a mate bond?"
