ELIA

The hum and bustle of the crowd in the market began to die immediately and Elia's heart pounded. There were hundreds of Anima there tonight, packed even tighter than usual because the tables had been cleared in the middle for dancing later.

Aymora had told Elia there would be people sitting outside the pillars of the eating space, and some standing, just to be witness to tonight.

Adrenalin speared through her again, and her hands began to tremble as Gahrye continued.

"We gather tonight for the first Festival of Hearts. A tradition seeded by our new Queen, this is to be a night for forgiveness and understanding. A night for hearts to heal, and minds to find meeting. Anima! Stand and acknowledge your Queen!

"

It was the first test of the night, Aymora had warned her. The acknowledgement was only a small concession—and it was tradition for a few strong Anima to stay seated for it, to herald their desire to be swayed. But Behryn and the guards would be watching closely for any outright dissension in the people—those who stared challenge, or whose scents indicated anger, or vengeance.

In the worst possible case, should the majority of the people refuse to stand, the guards were primed to protect Reth & Elia from potential attack. Because, as Aymora had been very clear, the Anima as a group would turn on a weak ruler quickly.

To Elia's relief, almost everyone stood, though some slowly and without smiling. There were only small pockets that she could see of those, strong in their tribes, or older, who kept their seats and watched her closely. But she'd been told to expect that. Her job tonight was to convince these people that she was for them. The others in their tribes would follow if these stood in acknowledgement at the end.

"From this day forward,

" Gahrye continued, his voice booming across the market,

"the Festival of Hearts will be celebrated every year, an opportunity for those who have offended, or failed their tribes, to make amends. Tonight, your Queen asks for your audience. Anima, do you receive her?

"

Elia blew out a breath when everyone on their feet followed Gahrye in a thunderous roar of sound—some even bowed, which touched Elia's heart, though she suspected the show of allegiance was pointed squarely at Reth, rather than herself.

She glanced at Reth, whose chin was down, his eyes fierce and scanning his people, marking those pockets, she believed. She could almost see him making a mental list of those who hadn't stood, who didn't roar, or call, or cry in response.

When he tensed, she put a hand to his arm. He had to let her stand in her own defense tonight.

He didn't look at her, but put his other hand over hers on his arm and squeezed. Her eyes pricked and she swallowed. She couldn't let herself be distracted by loving him in this moment, but she swore to herself that she would remember it to him later and thank him for it. More than once. But for now…

Her heart pounded against her ribs as Gahrye turned to her and bowed.

"Queen Elia, the people of Anima receive you.

"

She pushed back her chair and stood, swallowed when Reth ran one hand quickly down the back of her leg—to remind her of his love, she knew. Then with her shoulders back, eyes up, and her chin down, she stalked around the table to stand at the front of the stage and face her people.

All eyes fell on her—mostly curious, some wary, many looked merely… patient. As if they reserved judgment. Keeping her hands at her sides, Elia took a deep breath and began, praying they would see her heart, and not let themselves be swayed by rumor or prejudice.

"Thank you for being here, tonight. You honor me by bringing your families to hear me. I am grateful.

" She paused and searched for the words she'd planned so carefully, gripping the thick folds of her soft skirts.

"But the reason for this Festival, the reason I have taken such time to plan it, is because this summer I learned that I had unwittingly caused harm, or discomfort to many of you. And, perhaps worse, I had taken steps that had harmed my mate—calling into question my loyalty to him, and my example in submitting to his leadership. Tonight I will correct that.

"All I ask of you is that you listen and hold judgment until you have heard the story I'm here to tell. We walk into this future together. I own every choice I have made, and every misstep. I have already made efforts to educate myself, and continue to try to improve in bringing myself to you as befits both my position, and you as a people.

"

She took a deep breath and let it out, meeting as many eyes as she could.

"Do not mistake my intention tonight: I offer no excuses. I ask only for your patience. I do not ask for mercy, only for your consideration of the Anima as a people.

"Since my arrival in Anima, you have been an example to me in physical strength, in resilience in the face of uncertain circumstances, and in accepting the things you cannot change. My human brothers and sisters would do well to learn from the Anima in these things.

"But none of us lacks weakness in some ways. So as you hear my story, I ask only that you consider yourself and your people: What is for their best? What will ultimately bring the greatest strength to the Anima overall? And what is worth working for, waiting for?

"You have taught me to rest in accepting the things I cannot change. So the first half of my story tonight will be only to help you understand the world and culture that molded me, so you might understand the things in my life that I cannot change. But then…

" she hesitated, and sensed Reth shift in his seat behind her, worried, or excited, she didn't know.

"Then I will tell you of the things I know to be true. The ways I know I might serve the Anima people. And the strength we can build, together.

"

The market was utterly silent, all eyes fixed on her. She blew out a breath.

"Let's begin.

"