Elizabeth IV

Why are all those people staring at me?" Elizabeth asked as Fero prepped her for the transport to his domain.

"They are my brethren. Juliet has been waiting to see you too." Fero answered. He felt her instant withdrawal and then the self-loathing. "You are not a coward. You have already done far more than I expected this rising. They can wait until you are settled."

"I don't want any of them to feel as if I am rejecting them, especially Juliet. She has gotten me through so much. Without her I wouldn't have made it," Elizabeth confessed in a small voice. She still kept her face tucked against his chest to keep from looking at the open spaces around them.

"I will tell them you are not ready yet and I have forbidden any contact at this time."

Instantly, Fero sent the decree on the pathway forged between the brethren rather than the common ancient pathway.