ELRETH
Elreth's stomach dropped. "I agree that you need to report immediately. My 'but' was that it's not him that you need to report to."
Suhle frowned at her, then her eyes widened. "I'm so sorry—he's given you the crown already?"
Elreth snorted. "I challenged for dominance, yes."
Suhle leapt to her feet, wobbling only slightly as she knelt before Elreth and clasped a hand to her chest. "My apologies, Sire. I meant no disrespect."
"You gave none, please! Sit down. Rest! Eat. While you're sitting you can tell me everything."
Suhle nodded, but looked at her daughter worriedly, who was just beginning to drink. "It's been a long few days, I just pray we made it in time. I haven't heard from my mate since we crossed the desert, and I fear… I fear what has happened in our absence."
"Please, tell us," Elreth said. "I've been waiting to hear what you know."