We don't get to choose our lives, we only get to live them as they're handed to us.
Mab wanted Tabby to get comfortable with life at the castle before being stressed with the responsibilities of Consort, but Prince Rowan's timetable means some decisions must be made sooner rather than later.
Mab's a rip-the-bandage-off kind of Queen, which means Tabby and Rowan aren't in for an easy time.
Most people are terrified when they find themselves at the mercy of The Dark Queen.
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Consort is book three in the Dark(ish) Faerie Tale quadrilogy, and should be read in the correct order.