ELRETH
Huncer shifted in her seat, her eyes bright and unflinching. "You have not offended me, but I fear the future if we are to be handed over to a pair of inexperienced rulers. If you do not attend, if you are ill, or you give birth, does Aaryn become our Ruler for a time, as a Queen would?"
"Would there be a problem if I said yes?"
"That would depend on how he handles himself. Your mother was always careful… respectful. She held reins of power loosely and didn't invite them. Aaryn is… stronger in his ambitions than she was. Would he take advantage? Will he reform our society to the advantage of one tribe over another?"
She didn't use the word "disformed", but everyone in the room knew what she meant.
"Aaryn is a good male, with a good heart. He listens—usually more than I do."
"He is also a male with ambitions and goals for our society," Lhern said, more gently than Huncer had. "Her concerns are not unfounded, Elreth."
