ELRETH
"I… thank you!" she said breathlessly, then pulled herself together. "Thank you, Lhern, that was… unexpected."
He shrugged. "Perhaps to you. The others know I have fought for you since the beginning."
"But all that dancing the issue of the disformed the first time we met—and the briefings that are… shallow?"
"One thing you'll learn about males, Sire, is that they usually need to see to believe. They may scent your integrity, they may believe in your honor and strength, but until they see it in action, they will doubt. You needed to fight for dominance and win—not just against your father, but against me, and at times, against others as well. I fear your femininity will result in more challenges early on, as the males grow used to you and begin to consider their chances. But ultimately, you will show them. The sooner the better."
