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nRETH

nEvery time he stroked her thigh, letting his fingertips trail along her skin, the tiny hairs of her legs stood on end and her skin prickled under his touch. The mating huff rose in his throat. He'd had to swallow it a dozen times already. He was swallowing and scenting like an adolescent at his first mating. It would have been embarrassing, but there were so many people and so much going on, he trusted that most weren't taking the time to single his scent out. He prayed they weren't.

nThough it made him grown in frustration, he was almost glad when Behryn stood on his other side and called for quiet. He was forced to take his hand off her, which helped a great deal with his concentration, but less with the fire inside that urged him to touch, and taste, and fill his nose with her. He didn't want to think about anything else.

n

"Good people of Anima, we celebrate our new Queen tonight, and the beginning of a new Dawn in the WildWood.

" A great many voices raised in a cheer and Reth was proud—proud of the woman sitting next to him.

"Tonight,

" Behryn continued,

"We start the journey into the age of King Gareth and his good Queen Elia and their cubs that will lead Anima in the generations to come.

" Behryn turned and smiled at them both.

"Queen Elia, your people would hear from you—are you ready to answer to your court, to your people?

"

n

"I'll do my best,

" she said and Reth's heart squeezed. She was so uncertain of herself, couldn't see her own strength. He resolved to do better to remind her of it, show her how she appeared in his eyes.

nBehryn nodded.

"Would you address the people and tell them your hopes for this new phase of our Kingdom?

"

nElia stood, wiping her hands on her skirts, and smiling at the people.

"I'm… I'm grateful that you've accepted me,

" she said, her voice clear as a bell across the market.

"I'm so grateful to have Reth, that he chose me—

" Reth's hand twitched toward her and he could feel his eyes shining as she met his gaze. There was an audible murmur of emotion and approval through the crowd. Elia tore her gaze away and looked back at the gathered people.

"This is a new life for me. I want to ask your forgiveness for anything I may have done or said that offended you. I haven't learned all the customs yet. I am working to learn, and I will do better. But I appreciate your forgiveness until I find my way. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to serve you as Queen.

"

nThere was a great roar of approval that clearly shocked her. Her eyes went wide when the cheers began. She turned to Reth who only smiled and raised his hands in applause. She put her hand to her chest and nodded at them, then sat. But Reth shook his head and urged her to stand again.

"You still have to name your Cohorts,

" he said.

nShe nodded and stood again as Behryn motioned for the people to quiet.

n

"Queen Elia,

" he called,

"Will you name your second?

"

nElia swallowed and clearly recited the words from memory.

"I will. As my Second, and the female to stand in my stead, I choose Aymora of the Pride.

"

nAymora stood and bowed her acceptance to Elia and another great whoop of approval went up from the people and Reth nodded. It was an excellent choice. He hadn't wanted to mold her decisions, but he hoped the women's council hadn't actually chosen for her, either. He should have asked her before, dammit.

nBehryn smiled and settled the people again.

"And your heart's companion? Do you have a sister to name?

" he intoned.

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"Yes. I ask Candace of the Wing to stand with me and weather the storms,

" she said clearly, and smiled at her friend.

nCandace's eyes went wide, but she shot out of her chair and took Elia's hand, bowing over it. Elia tried to stop her, but Reth was glad the woman was treating her with more intimacy. He'd known they would be a good fit, but Candace had seemed hesitant before the mating.

nBehryn adjusted his leather sash then opened his hand to the masses.

"And the last of your people—who will you choose to advise you?

"

nElia smiled, confidence showing on her face for the first time since this started. Reth looked into the crowd, wondering which female the council had pointed Elia towards.

n

"I would ask my Advisor to be… Gahrye of the Thunder Herd,

" she said, loud and strong.

"He who listens to the wind can speak with me and help me hear the hearts of the people.

"

nReth froze.

nA murmur rose among the adults as a small group of young people towards the back of the market cheered and shouted, pushing a young Equine to his feet, who stared in clear shock even as he bowed and mouthed his acceptance. Reth squinted at the youth. He only knew Gahrye for his unfortunate disformity, one he'd discussed with Behryn several times. Reth looked at his friend who stood next to him and was very obviously trying—and failing—to hide his shock. There was almost no applause this time, but a great deal of muttered words and whispers that made Reth sweat.

nHe knew… he knew what she was doing. He knew what she intended. But they couldn't see it. A Queen hadn't had a male advisor since… had it ever happened? He would have to ask Aymora. But worse… a disformed Anima? A man none were sure of, and one so young? He trusted Elia's sense of the man—but she had no idea what a fox she had thrown among the chickens. His dear, sweet girl.

nAs his stomach churned, he prayed that when the time came, the people would choose to see her for her heart, and stop judging her for her differences.

n.

n.

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