RETH

He had let this male down. He knew it. Elia was right about Gahrye—he was a good male and Reth had a hunch that without him, his mate wouldn't have made it back to Anima safely—if at all. But he'd been so overwhelmed by everything else that was happening, that had happened, that he'd ignored the poor equine, leaving him to find his own way back to his people and…

"I know I haven't been… attentive,

" he said gruffly.

"I know it's been a tough time for you as well. I wish… there's a lot of things I wish I could have done already, to show you my gratitude, and just to have made this transition easier for you. I'm sorry. I have failed you as a King, and as a friend.

"

Gahrye's brows rose high.

"I… thank you. That isn't necessary, I am happy to serve the Queen—

"

Reth waved him off.

"I want you to know, even when I'm distracted… I'm truly grateful to you for keeping her safe, and bringing her back. I… I know I didn't see all that you had to deal with, or what you gave up to be here. Just know that, whether I say it or not, I appreciate your sacrifice. And the way you've protected my most precious things.

"

Gahrye nodded, looking shocked, and as if he wanted to submit. Reth almost growled. He didn't want the male rolling on his back. He wanted him strong, to continue to help Elia. But he shook his head. He was a twist of emotions himself, terrified that the elders would require things of Elia that would harm her or Elreth, aware that it was his fault they'd even had the idea—and conflicted, because they were right. It would help the people to feel stronger, as if they walked a more solid foundation, to know that Elia could shift now. But…

He couldn't shake the feeling that pushing her to do anything right now was pure danger.

He had to get back to that meeting. But he had a job to do first.

Putting a hand to Gahrye's shoulder, he held the male's gaze.

"Your life is going to change, so before it does, I want to be the first to say that, no matter what happens, I am in your debt. I vow to you that I will support you and your people. I will provide for you as you support Elia. And I will meet with the bears at the soonest opportunity and ask them to soften on the agreement we made over the Portal. Gawhr understood that I needed to get my mate back, so I am almost certain he will understand about yours as well.

"

"Thank you,

" Gahrye said quietly—and not without a little sullen darkness.

Reth could hardly blame him. He'd felt the same way about not seeing Elia. He had to remember that if the male started to chafe on the restriction.

If they'd been at peace and he hadn't needed Gawhr's permission, Gahrye likely wouldn't have stayed a day, let along the months he was asking the male to wait.

"You're a better male than me,

" Reth said in a low growl.

"Elia was right to appoint you.

" Gahrye's eyes went wide. Reth forced himself to smile.

"Now brace yourself.

"

"For what?

"

"For the tornado of female attention you're about to receive,

" Reth said with a wink.

"You might want to tell them you have a mate now if they don't scent you for it. Although, with some that will only make you more tempting,

" he mused.

"What are you talking about?

" Gahrye asked, obviously confused.

Reth grinned for real then.

"I'm going to honor you, Gahrye. You have served your King and your Kingdom well. I'm going to make sure everyone knows it.

"

"Wait… what?

"

Reth winked again as he turned from Gahrye to face the people and roared for their attention. It was a little distasteful that he'd been spurred to do this now, tonight, by his need to bring the people together, to inspire them. But it was the right thing to do—in fact, should have been done already. So he wouldn't tell Gahrye that that was why this was happening now.

As the people answered his call, then quieted, the male stayed turned towards him, gaping.

Reth found he was pleased to change this male's life.

"My people, tonight you are blessed to be here. Thank you for continuing to gather. Thank you for sustaining the peace. Please, keep opening your arms and your homes to each other as we walk through this… time of transition. I am eager and hopeful to see how we will emerge better and stronger than before!

"

A cacophony of calls, chirps, and howls rose in response, and for a moment Reth's heart was lifted. These were his people, and their hearts were good. They had faced a terrible age, and now they were walking out of it.

He just prayed they could all do so in step with one another.

"While we have weathered the storm here, most of you are aware that I sent my mate away for her safety, and the safety of our cub.

"

There was a smattering of applause, though he knew this point chafed for some whose families had remained at risk.

"When my mate returned to her homeland, I commended two of her Cohorts to join her.

" Reth's throat pinched.

"Candace of the Wing lost her life in service to her Queen and… and I honor her memory. She will not be forgotten. She will be written into the histories as a true friend of the crown, and a female of honor!

"

All of the people called their approval and remembrance of Candace, and Reth wished Elia was there to hear it, especially when the birds got to their feet, scattered across the Market, and raised their song—a high, mournful wavering in countless harmony that filled the market to its ceiling and erupted from its open walls. Reth stood, tears in his eyes, as all the tiny hairs on his neck and arms rose to hear it. He was reminded both of the morning call of the birds greeting the sun every day, and the horns of mourning for the dead.

Despite the numbers there that night, there was a moment of near silence when the birds hummed their way to a close.

He nodded and blinked back the tears that wanted to come, praying that Candace had found her way to the Creator safely and rested in His arms, watching the love poured out for her. Then he cleared his throat and turned their attention to Gahrye.

***** WANT RETH MERCH FOR CHRISTMAS? *****

I am ordering samples to giveaway at Christmas and for my Patreon (which is the only way I can legally do book-specific merchandise) and I'm happy to order extras for those who don't want to risk missing out. But because I'm not allowed to sell them for profit, I have to order retail and the charging has to be a little weird.

If you would like a Reth Mug for $16.99 postage, or a large Reth Blanket for $79.98 postage (see comments on this chapter for details and image) you should email me on email protected IMMEDIATELY.