578 Rooting Out Evil - Part 2

RETH

Not for the first time, Reth grieved the loss of this male as a leader for his people. If only he had taken more time for the wolves. What Lerrin spoke now was true—the deceit that drew the wolves into conflict with the crown began in their resentment and pain. Had he taken more time to understand them, to ally with them, instead of seeing them as irritants, and eventually enemies…

They were all learning from this.

Then his eyes snagged on Behryn's face. His brother, pale and drawn, jaw tight and eyes tighter... his own thoughts echoed a second time.

If only he'd taken more time to understand, to ally…

He took a deep breath and let his pain and regret show on his face.

Behryn looked startled. Both of them looked away as Huncer spoke up, but Reth resolved to pull Behryn aside at the end of this and be a brother to him, rather than a ruler.