ELRETH

"I… thank you!" she said breathlessly, then pulled herself together. "Thank you, Lhern, that was… unexpected."

He shrugged. "Perhaps to you. The others know I have fought for you since the beginning."

"But all that dancing the issue of the disformed the first time we met—and the briefings that are… shallow?"

"One thing you'll learn about males, Sire, is that they usually need to see to believe. They may scent your integrity, they may believe in your honor and strength, but until they see it in action, they will doubt. You needed to fight for dominance and win—not just against your father, but against me, and at times, against others as well. I fear your femininity will result in more challenges early on, as the males grow used to you and begin to consider their chances. But ultimately, you will show them. The sooner the better."

Elreth folded her arms and considered the man. His scent was true, he was not deceiving her. "I'll keep that in mind," she said thoughtfully. "Since we're alone and you know… tell me your thoughts. How do I win the people over for Aaryn? I cannot choose anyone else. He is my True Heart's Call. I'm embarrassed that it took this long for me to see it. Now that I have… I don't wish to wait."

"Why is the bond so weak?" Lhern asked, frowning. "It's definitely there, but—"

Elreth braced herself. She was going to have to learn to speak of this without blushing. "It hasn't been completed."

Lhern opened his mouth as if to ask, then closed it again, understanding dawning on his leathered features. "I see," he said, his eyebrows raised. "And yet, it took? That is… incredible. Very rare. You are the deepest of True Mates. Perhaps to rival your parents."

Elreth snorted. "That I doubt, but if our bond can be half as strong as theirs, we will be doing well."

Lhern tipped his head. "From memory, yours is progressing just as strongly. I believe there was a strange time after they walked the Flames and Smoke, but before they mated where many observed a difference in their scents. But not as yours—not as the bond had taken. Instead it was as if… as if his scent followed hers—and visa versa. It was a very confusing time for everyone. Yours is far more clear, though subtle. I assume most do not notice. I didn't until I looked for it."

"What made you decide to scent me for it, intentionally?" she asked, curious.

Lhern's lips thinned. "The truth is, I always hoped you would take Aaryn, though my motive were not selfless—I want to see the disformed not held apart. But when you began to speak of your mate… I didn't see the flush of love. I saw a calculated decision, and I feared you were resisting him for someone more… strategic. I really thought to see who had been close to you, in case I could grasp a hint. But then I realized his scent on you was not the simple brushing of him against your clothing. That your scents are… entwined."

She nodded. "Please don't speak of it to anyone until the elders have met. I will be seeking their input into how to present it to the people—but I don't want to deal with speculation and gossip. Let them hear it from me."

Lhern nodded again. "Wise. And for what it's worth, I will support you to them."

"How many do you think will resist?"

He frowned. "I can't say. They all know that the mating bond cannot be broken. They will not resist that. But to have a ruler who is disformed… I cannot say, Sire, I'm sorry. It isn't a conversation I have been party to. I would hope the elders have mostly let go of their prejudices. I know Huncer has. And Tarkyn never held them to begin with. He will be a fierce ally for you both, just as he was for your mother."

"Yes, I'm affirming him as Captain later today."

"A good choice."

They were both lost in thought for a moment. It was Elreth who took a breath and straightened. "Thank you for your honesty, Lhern. And even for these… challenges. I can see your intention was good. I will welcome any advice or insight you wish to offer as we move through the coming weeks and months. I know I can be prickly, but I do not discard wise counsel, even if it's uncomfortable."

He nodded, smiling. "Wise beyond your years."

"No, I just had it pounded into me by my father," she said dryly, and Lhern laughed.

"Despite the challenges we face, Sire, I want you to know, I am glad that you're here. It is strange moving out from under your father's rule. I do not deny I was uneasy about that. But you will do well, I'm sure of it."

"Thank you," she said softly. "And in return, I will probably keep you around since you seem less annoying than the others. You're welcome."

Lhern laughed again as they both turned for the door.

*****

They said farewell outside the building and Elreth turned with confidence towards the depth of the Tree City. Speaking to Lhern about the bond had made her stomach curl. She had half an hour before lunch and she wanted to see her mate—perhaps even spend some time hidden away with him before the meal. Since she knew he wouldn't join her for it. They were to stay apart publicly until the Elders had advised them.

But she also didn't know where he would be—did he have duties with the disformed every day?

It was stunning to her to realize he'd lived this entire second life without her knowledge. She'd known, of course, that he spent a lot of time with the Outsiders. She'd even joined them over the years on fishing trips, and casual afternoons. But she'd never grasped the depth of what Aaryn was doing. What he was achieving.

She wasn't sure whether she was proud, or angry.

Both, she supposed.

He could have trusted her with the secret. She might have asked some hard questions, but she would not have betrayed him to her father.

Would she?

Elreth groaned and started toward his house. She would ask his mother if she'd seen him today. Then query any disformed she saw along the way. She told herself she just needed to see him, but the tingling in her belly called her a liar.

She wanted to do much more than see Aaryn. And she was so grateful, suddenly, that she could.

Picking up her pace, she cut through the woods between trails to avoid being stopped by citizens along the way.

She just needed to find him.