454 The Rite of Veneration - Part 6

ELRETH

"I pray that I have proven to you that, even with the choice to do harm, I will always deny it. My life is given to your service, Sire," the male said more quietly, his eyes on the dirt. "I used this only to prove to our brothers that sometimes sheer might is not enough to win a war. Sometimes the protection of the most powerful among us are far more important. I pray… I pray I have demonstrated this risk without losing the honor of the Queen. But I acknowledge it breaks my vows to lay hands on you. If you choose to kill me, I will accept the judgment. I submit myself to you. I surrendered my life to your service, and I meant it."

  Elreth was floored and took a moment to register what he'd said.

She wanted to roll her shoulders, to loosen them, but she'd heard Aaryn snarl. If the fight was truly over, if the Equine submitted, she didn't want to give her mate any reason to rush to her defense.

But she needed a moment.