198 The Witness

RETH

"I do not wish to shame you further, Lucine, but you leave me no other route, so know this before I start: I wanted to avoid this."

Lucine opened her mouth like she might respond, but Reth didn't give her an opportunity to lie further. He turned to the people. "The night of the feast, I made no advances on Lucine. She was not even in my mind. I was consumed with the Rite, and my own future. I did not invite her to follow me, and I was not pleased when she did," he said loudly, his face tight.

Lucine's paled as Behryn said firmly, and loudly enough for all to hear, "He speaks true."

"He speaks true," Lerrin growled, reluctantly.

"When Lucine found me in the meadow, she made the signals before we spoke. And I turned her down, but she was persistent to speak with me further—to convince me that we should… join."

"Truth," Behryn called, but his shoulders were tense.