RETH

As soon as Reth stepped into the Security Council building he could feel it. He pulled up short as Aymora caught his eye, while the elders continued to mill around her. Behryn sat alone, off to the side, frowning at the floor.

His stomach twisted into a knot, but he made himself walk forward and take his seat. As the elders and councilors became aware of him, they all quieted and returned to their seats as well.

He waited a moment, but they all stared at him expectantly.

"You've made a decision?

" he asked gruffly.

They nodded. Brant shifted in his seat and Reth stared at him.

"We believe the need for the people to see their Queen shift, to know she has become truly one of them, and the unity this will foster, is of greater need than to protect the Queen from this process which is, as we all know, entirely natural. Even for those carrying young.

"

Reth's eyes snapped to Aymora, whose face was tight.

"We do not know if this is natural for her. We don't know if the change within her is permanent, or a consequence of the pregnancy.

"

"Yet, if she can do it—and has done it throughout her pregnancy—then the likelihood is that it does not damage her, or the babe,

" Aymora said, though without her usual edge.

Reth rubbed his jaw.

"The risk to her may not be physical, but mental. Emotional. Spiritual. She has not spent her life shifting. She struggles to return from the beast—especially when she's in pain or fear. I believe the beast becomes protective of her. She fears shifting, afraid she might not be able to return from it.

"

"And yet, so far, she always has.

"

Fury bloomed in his chest and he breathed carefully. He had to step carefully. So carefully. It was his fault for drawing their attention to his mate in this way. His stupid, thoughtless fault.

"And if I say no?

"

A ripple ran through the members.

"You would break your word?

"

"You placed the decision in our hands!

"

Reth growled.

"I never imagined you would treat Elia's life with such… disdain.

"

"We do not disdain my daughter's life,

" Aymora snapped with her usual spirit. Reth couldn't decide if that was comforting or not.

"Or her offspring. We weighed the risks to her and the babe as well if the people rise up again, or a rebellion is fomenting under the surface. While she might be frightened, she will be surrounded by experienced shifters, and those who love her. We will help her return. And in the meantime, the people will be drawn together. She is the vision they need, Reth. Even you acknowledged that.

"

"I acknowledged that she is a symbol for the Creator's plan—for the ways that we can grow and change. And her heart will be inspiring to them. Her death, however, would not. You place her at risk to make your own lives easier!

"

"Careful, Reth,

" Brant growled.

"Be very careful with your words right now.

"

Reth shot the older lion a glare, hoped that Brant saw the accusation of betrayal in his eyes. But Brant met his gaze evenly.

"No one here—no one—wants to see Elia or your offspring harmed. But the risk, it appears, is to her peace of mind, not to her body. The gain, however, is immense. This is a moment for Elia to step to the fore as Queen and ruler, not as your mate, or a mother. She will be free to do that in the wake of reassuring the people.

"

Reth snorted without humor.

"Not if she has lost her mind, or gone silent!

"

"She will not go silent, Reth, she loves you too much. Those that give over have… they've released their hearts—or want to,

" Aymora said quietly.

Reth shook his head, his jaw clenched so hard it ached. He couldn't believe he'd brought this to them! He'd never imagined—

"We will not force this on Elia this moment, Reth,

" Brant said, trying to soothe him.

"We will wait until Aymora measures that Elia is in the best possible place, the strongest she can be. It will not require every Anima to witness it, only enough to bolster the people's spirit.

"

Reth turned his accusing eyes on Aymora.

"And when do you measure this could happen?

" he asked sarcastically.

"Since we have not even spoken to my mate yet?

"

Aymora tsked.

"We will wait until a morning when she's feeling stronger. We won't just drag her out of the bed, Reth. A few days—when she's rested and well fed.

"

He shook his head in disgust.

"You were the one who got angry about us upsetting her so she shifted!

"

"Because it was unnecessarily disruptive to her. I do not deny the risk that she gets caught in the beast for a while, Reth. I will do more training with her in the intervening time.

"

"How can you train her if she won't shift by choice? For that matter, how would we do this if she can't shift by choice?

"

His voice was rising and he caught himself, grinding his teeth, clenching his hands on his thighs. He couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe it!

"I will not put her life at risk, Reth. Believe me. We will do this safely.

"

"It cannot be done safely—not safely to her heart and mind. You are… you are choosing the people's attitudes over her heart and life!

Brant gave him a look then.

"She is a ruler. She should be choosing them over her own wellbeing without our decision, as should you!

"

"The people will not benefit by losing her, or our cub, for this display!

"

"You're being very dramatic, Reth.

"

Reth gaped.

"Who among you has a true mate and wouldn't be dramatic if you believed your hearts call was being harmed by a decision of this council? And that is not even taking into account our daughter who, once again, we do not know how she will be affected by this!

"

"Pregnant mothers shift all the time, Reth,

" Aymora tried to soothe him.

"Pregnant mothers who are Anima and carrying Anima young. We don't yet know if that is the case for Elia!

" His voice rose almost to a shout at the end, and the elders stiffened.

Which was when he realized the moment had come. The moment where he had to choose, at least on this issue, between his mate and his people.

*****

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