563 Choices - Part 1

RETH

He had just left the Security Council—hours of examining the tensions and potential damages of the conflicts between the people, measuring them for rebellion, assessing the guards and who was caught up in the politics of the return of the rebels, and who was cool headed enough to be trusted to manage the others without prejudice.

His head spun with worry and joy, with the yearning for his mate, and an aching stomach that needed food. He'd skipped lunch to get the meeting done so he could return to Elia and his body wasn't appreciating the lack.

As he and Behryn walked out of the building together, he knew he should go to the market, get a meal to sustain him until dinner. But he didn't want any further delay on returning to Elia.

Except… his friend, though no longer angry as he had been, still looked tense and haunted.

"Are you well, Behr?" Reth asked quietly as they stepped onto the trail together.