ELRETH

Elreth wanted to growl with frustration. The elders were talking in circles, never actually drawing a conclusion. And she was struggling to concentrate, wondering how Aaryn was faring, whether he was okay, whether he needed her.

She prayed he wasn't falling apart. And that he would call for her if he needed her.

"…the tricky part is fitting this role of King with the Alphas,

" Huncer said for the third time. Elreth almost rolled her eyes.

"If they don't see him as an authority—

"

"So we will make sure they do,

" Elreth snapped.

"What is this council except the advisors for the leaders in our society. Why do you shake your hands and wrinkle your foreheads, worrying for the people's attitudes. Is it not YOUR responsibility to show them what that attitude should be?

"

Huncer's eyes widened as if she might set Elreth down, but Lhern sighed.

"You are right, of course. But we are old enough to have watched the revolt of the wolves. I have to tell you, Erelth, and I think your father would back me up on this, that we will do anything to avoid meeting those days again.

"

Elreth nodded. Her father had told her the difficult lessons he'd learned during that time—that he could not trust his motives to be perceived. That there were times a leader must be ruthless.

Well, Elreth was going to make use of that lesson now.

"My father's greatest regrets in those days were that he was far to lenient with his people,

" she said firmly.

"He told me more than once if I were to ever take the role of dominant, it would mean choosing battles and remaining firm in them—owning my decisions, whether they worked out the way I expected or not. So I say to you, now, that I appreciate your willingness to avoid ill feeling and dissension in our society. But I am confident there are times and places that it is up to us to determine for them how things will be viewed.

"Right now, there has been a great deal of change, and your concern was that the people would be disrupted by this. I say they are far more likely to settle into these changes if they are given clear direction. If we acknowledge the difficult truths and challenges, and instruct them in them.

"

"Anima teach by example. It isn't merely a matter of telling them what to think!

" Lhern countered.

"No. But perhaps it starts there. Let's tell them what to look for, rather than holding our cards so close to our chests.

"

"These are not decisions for the people,

" Huncer broke in.

"If you think bringing them into this discussion will clear the path, you are sadly mistaken.

"

"No,

" Elreth said between her teeth.

"I am saying that we use our words to define the hierarchy, the roles, the new way our society must move forward because things have changed. Then we lead by example in sticking to our own direction!

"

There was nodding and some discussion amongst the elders. Elreth caught more than one smile of approval from the corner of her eye, and even though they lifted her heart, she didn't take her gaze from Lhern and Huncer. The others would follow those two.

"What do you propose?

" Lhern asked finally, rubbing the silver scruff on his face.

"The King is King. Second only to me. He stands over the Alphas—and over you—in his authority.

"

There were several uneasy shifts. Huncer looked as if she'd swallowed a Pricklepig.

"You suggest that Aaryn—

"

"Did you take orders from my mother, Huncer?

" Elreth asked baldly.

Huncer blinked.

"Your mother didn't take to giving orders until after the war,

" she said, her lips thin.

"No doubt because she was kept on the back foot and uncertain of herself,

" Elreth countered.

"Aaryn will not be reduced by you. I will not allow it. He is my King. He is my True Mate. He is wise, and his heart is good. Like me, he is young, and needs to learn and grow. Like me, he will make mistakes. But he is a good leader, and in many ways more practiced at this than I am. I chose him as Advisor because he often reads Anima better than I—or considers aspects of a conflict I do not think of. What he needs in these coming months and years is your support, your example to the other Anima. If you honor him, if you listen and treat him with respect, the Anima will as well. But I propose that we tell them that is expected. They cannot be expected to parse out the intricacies of the hierarchy—and the Alphas and other leaders cannot be expected to determine that without bias. It is up to me—to you—to show them the direction we plan, and then live it.

"

Lhern looked at her thoughtfully, his head tipped to the side. Huncer bristled, but to her credit, didn't argue.

"So,

" she older lioness said eventually, you set the King above all except yourself? Then what is there for us to discuss? That is simply the way it will be.

"

Elreth gave her flat look.

"We both know that Aaryn—and I—will need the advice and direction of other leaders in order to fulfill our roles. It is appropriate that there be times and places in which he submits to the judgment of others. The Captain, for example, if battle is to come. The challenges we face with the humans… that could lead to many situations in which we need the wise women, or the security council, to take the lead. I do not suggest that my rule is to dictate to you all. You have been placed in your positions by the Creator. You have knowledge and experience we do not.

"

"Very kind of you to see,

" Huncer said dryly.

Elreth frowned at her..

"You seem determined to create conflict, or to belittle me or my choices, Huncer. Have I offended you?

"