Chapter 64:The Angry King
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RETH
Asking Elia to make her own judgment on the wolves that offended her, was a powerplay. It allowed the elders to be seen to appease both him and Elia, yet place any backlash from the people squarely on her shoulders, rather than taking responsibility themselves.
How dare they? How dare they!
Did Behryn know about this? He shot a look at his Second, but was reassured to find him looking off-balance, and smelling even more so. So, the elders had come up with this on their own.
Was it a ploy because they didn't want to accept Elia? Or were they genuinely afraid of making the wrong move in his eyes?
"Speak plainly, Ehrahrd," he growled. "I gave this judgment to the elders so there could be no accusation of bias. Yet, you would give it back to the Queen?"
The man turned and bowed to him, but didn't meet his eyes. "Do not be offended, Majesty. We agree that the actions taken by the young wolves were underhanded and dangerous. We will see them punished. But we also understand the unrest in the people—and wonder whether these young cubs took it upon themselves to address an issue out of impatience, or immaturity, rather than bloodlust."
"Does it make a difference?" Reth snarled, getting to his feet. "Are there any circumstances under which a threat to the Queen is not seen as a threat to the throne—and then to the entire people of Anima?"
"When the Queen is not yet queen in truth," the man said bluntly, eyeing Reth. "Sire, you have our support, and we agree with you that time will answer these… questions. However, we cannot fault the people for being confused, and the young for challenging boundaries. No one knows exactly how to walk through the current state of affairs."
Reth's back prickled and he reminded himself it was almost time for the tonic. His healing was progressing well, he couldn't afford to shift right now. But he also couldn't show weakness in front of the men in this moment. He stalked over to where the man stood, speaking to him, but letting his eyes fall to each man individually as he did so, so they knew he hadn't forgotten them.
"This, again? How many times, Ehrahrd? You say you support me, you say you understand, and your years of wisdom agree that time will heal this. And yet… here we are… a question of treason before you, an accusation of murder attempted against the Queen herself, and you raise the questions of the people again? Let me ask you, what if the attempt had been on my life?"
The men all shifted in their seats. Ehrahrd's face fell. "Sire, you have to know we would not stand for any attempt on your life!"
"THEN WHY WOULD YOU EVEN STOMACH AN ATTEMPT ON MY QUEEN?" he roared. The men all leaped to their feet, only to drop to one knee, hands to their chests. Reth snarled. "I am not asking for your offerings to me—you have served me and this Kingdom well. I have no question of your loyalty to me, I ask you to show your loyalty to her!"
"But… sire… if she does not take you. Or if you do not proceed—"
"No." The deep voice came from the Equine corner, behind him. Near Behryn. Reth turned to meet the eyes of Brant—the eldest of the elders. "No one questions your character, or your intentions, Reth," he said slowly. "Only your Queens. We do not know her—not her heart, or her character. We do not know her intentions. And add to this, she comes from the other world. Her customs are different. We cannot be expected to anticipate her motives."
"And my testimony to her heart and motives aren't enough for you?"
"Forgive me, Sire, but all of us have been… blinded by lust at times. We would not fault you for it, having walked through it ourselves. But we also cannot deny that it occurs."
"You think that I—" Reth began, but cut off when her voice rose from the far corner of the room, closing his eyes and throwing up a prayer for mercy.
"Why don't you ask me?" she said quietly. Firmly.
All the men gasped and turned to look at her. Unless invited to do so, Anima Females did not speak in male council—just as males didn't speak in female council.
The men all turned to Reth who was left with no choice. "Wife," he said, through his teeth, "Would you take the vow and pledge honesty to the men seated her. Explain answers to any questions they might have, and offer any information, complimentary or not, to soothe their fears?"
"Yes, I would," she said simply. Of course, she had no idea the grilling she was about to receive. And in order to save her before these men, he wouldn't be able to soften their approach. He'd have to let them have free rein, or they wouldn't believe her.
"Very well, please come to the floor."
She got up, uncertainly, but walked quickly over to join him. He took her hand and led her to a seat in the center where all could see her and scent her easily.
"Very well, gentleman, ask your questions."
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