577 Rooting Out Evil - Part 1

RETH

Throughout his life—and especially his rule—having Behryn challenge him had been a welcome honing of his skills and ideas. An agreement between them that they would always speak the truth to each other, keep each other accountable, and in that way, ensure that they were leading rightly.

It was one of the things he'd always loved most about his brother-of-the-heart. Behryn had never been intimidated by his strength, or enamored by his power. Behryn challenged him when he needed challenging, and had his back in the aftermath, regardless of what Reth chose to do.

But this… this was a slap in the face.

His brother didn't challenge him to sharpen the iron of his sword. His brother didn't challenge him to bring him down a peg because he'd become arrogant.

His brother was questioning him. Considering leaving him. And doing so in front of others.

Reth had to swallow a growl, then wanted to slap himself. This was Behryn!