ELIA

Dear, Lord, this was what Reth had meant when he'd been so upset about her slipping her guards, when he'd begged her not to let others know where the loyalty of his heart lay.

She'd had no idea.

Elia clung to the back of Reth's shirt, terrified that someone was going to pull them apart. She stood on the balls of her feet, poised for flight. She would not leave him. They would have to tear her away. Despite his distraction, he still held his hand back, penning her behind him.

"When?

" Reth said, his voice dead.

"When will the people hear this?

"

Brant glanced at Aymora, then sighed.

"Tonight. What point is there in delaying?

"

Reth raised a shaking hand to push through his hair.

"You will let Elia and I speak the full story?

"

"Yes.

"

"And you will not let the wolves distract—

"

"When a judgment is held to the people, any of the people may speak as often as they wish, Reth, you know that,

" Aymora spoke up, her voice heavy with grief.

"You can't expect Brant to keep them quiet. You must… you must just answer the questions.

"

"They often do not ask the questions that need asking, though,

" Reth said through his teeth.

"This picture… it isn't as black and white as it sounds.

"

"Then pray the Creator uses it to make his truth known. That is what I will be doing,

" Brant said, the finality in his voice broaching no discussion.

"The people are already called to the amphitheater after the final meal. Perhaps the King will rethink his Censure?

"

"Yes… I… of course. This is… they need to know that I don't betray them. That they have my heart. My best…

"

Brant growled.

But this time Reth raised his eyes and met his gaze.

"Think what you will, Brant. My concern for my mate does not interfere with my care for the people. They are one and the same.

"

Brant stared at him, eyes flat, denying Reth by his silence. But Elia was grateful he didn't speak and further underline the accusations he'd made—that the others had, apparently, upheld.

She hadn't understood everything that passed between the men, but she'd understood enough.

Not Queen?

Shamed?

The people would choose who should be Queen—her, or Lucine?

But…

"What does this mean for us if… if the people choose her?

" Elia asked, her voice strong, but too high.

Reth's fingers closed on her hand, squeezing hard. She squeezed back.

"If the people choose Lucine, things become very complicated,

" Aymora said when no one else responded.

"We will gather your Cohorts and explain before… before the judging.

"

Elia nodded a thank you to her, and Aymora ducked her chin once, but she still had tears in her eyes that made Elia's stomach trill with fear.

"Until then, you may be together. We are aware of having held you from the Pairing. No one takes pleasure in this, Reth,

" Brant said firmly.

"This judgment is held. This hearing is over. I speak now, not as your elder, but as your friend, Reth: Our hands were forced and you have left us in a difficult position. I pray you know that no matter the outcome, you have the support of those of us who have watched you Rule. I do not agree with your choices, as elder I will see you pay the chosen consequences for them. But I take no pleasure in it. Despite your… inner conflict, I know you seek the best for the people.

"

Reth's head sank again.

"You will not chain us?

" he asked quietly.

"No.

"

His shoulders sagged with relief and he sighed so heavily, he sounded broken. But his grip on her hand remained strong. Elia gripped his shoulder so he would know she was there.

"Thank you,

" he croaked.

Brant nodded.

"There are hours yet until the final meal. I suggest we all take this time to… contemplate. To see the way forward with wisdom. And to rest.

"

The elders and wise-women behind him all murmured agreement and began to move, picking up shawls or straightening chairs, readying to leave. But Brant and Aymora stayed where they were, watching Reth and Elia.

Reth pulled her up to his side, then, under his arm and she went willingly.

"Reth, what—

"

"Not yet.

" He brushed her cheek with a kiss and whispered in her ear.

"Wait until the others have left. Brant and Aymora will help us. I think.

"

She nodded and remained there, under his arm, her hands around his waist, and her head on his chest. His heart beat frantically under her ear—a fact that frightened her more than some of the darker looks Reth received from the others as they filed out.

But finally, only Reth and Elia, Brant and Aymora remained.

When the door closed behind the last of the others, they all took deep breaths. Aymora shook her head, then dropped her face in her hand. Elia almost began to cry herself.

"Brant—

" Reth began, his voice more hesitant than Elia had ever heard him.

"What the hell were you thinking, Reth?

" Brant said, all firm surety and authority gone from his voice. He looked at Reth with eyes of grief, his hands palm up, pleading.

"What the hell were you thinking?

"

Reth rubbed his hand over his lined face and groaned in his throat.

"At that point, I truly thought I would never see Elia again. I thought she was already mated, and happy without me. I thought I had to find another way forward. I was sick about the Rite—I didn't want it, but knew I had to go through with it. And I thought… I thought she would win. I thought ultimately it did no harm to anyone. It was stupid and reckless, but… I did it. I know it's my fault.

"

Brant turned away from him for a moment, his face lined with grief.

"I cannot fault your choice in Elia. I agree with you that she's needed here. That the people would benefit. But Reth… you have undermined everything, for what?

"

"I did not see the consequences at the time. I wish I had. Believe me, Brant—

"

"Stop looking for solutions to things that cannot be changed,

" Aymora snapped over both of them, folding her arms over her chest.

"With Lucan gone, the wolves will be in upheaval. Lerrin will step in, but he may be challenged—especially if there is a strong faction that thought as Lucan did. You must dominate, Reth. You must stop the people following the broken and angry. You must!

"

"But… the charges…

"

"People do not hold the law as we do,

" Brant said, pinching his nose and sighing.

"Your best hope is that Elia has won them over enough that they'll choose her over Lucine, purely by preference—and your forgiveness will come with it.

"

"And if they don't?

" Elia asked, her voice quavering.

All three of them turned to stare at her. But it was Reth who took her hand and made her face him.

"I'm so sorry my love. You would be shunned,

" he said quietly.