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Rion touched his shoulder as if he didn’t believe she’d healed him again then sat up on his knees. He touched her cheek, running his fingertips across her skin and down her neck. His magic rose, circling them, but it wasn’t the cold, wet earth she expected. Pebbles and rock of every shape, size, and color surrounded the pair, casting rays of pale, colorful light over their bodies.

She paused to watch and even reached out to grab one that matched the color of his eyes. Arianna rubbed her thumb over the smooth surface and smiled at him.

“I have to leave again.” Her heart sank. “But when I return—” He pressed a needful kiss to her lips. She understood without him saying a word. When he returned, he’d give her everything.

Rion kissed her over and over again and her magic rose to circle with his, cocooning the pair in droplets of water and rock that bathed them in every color she’d ever seen. It matched the chaos of emotions flying through her in that moment. She felt like every color, constantly spinning, never settling in one place, because this feeling, this love was too strong to be confined to a single color. It was infinite and ever-growing, stretching beyond the veils of space and time and she’d never ever tire of it.

RION DIDN’T run from much, but when he dropped Arianna off at the cabin, he’d sprinted away like his life depended on it. He might have stayed forever otherwise. He had a job to do. Or did he? The options warred in his mind. What did he owe his country? Why should he keep fighting if he’d finally found something for himself?

He’d learned his lesson last time so instead of marching to the front gate where he knew his warriors stood ready, Rion took a detour. He knew where Eoghan waited. The male was always waiting and watching.

At the sharp jerk of his chin, Eoghan leapt to his feet and followed Rion into the trees. The male kept his distance, his fear palpable, but he didn’t disobey. No one disobeyed where Rion was concerned.

Rion turned and folded his arms. He hated this, but he wouldn’t leave her defenseless again. “I’m leaving. You said you wanted the chance to prove yourself.” Eoghan stood straighter. “I want her protected.”

“I will gladly die in her place.” Rion’s jaw clenched. Maybe he should abandon the war. They could go into the mountains. Disappear, but before Rion could change his mind, Eoghan dropped to one knee. “I will protect her.”

Rion scented the air. No lie, but the absolute sincerity of Eoghan’s statement raised the hair on the back of Rion’s neck. “Why?”

Eoghan raised his head. “Because I know who she is, and I can think of no greater honor than dying for my queen.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Arianna

But when I return…

His words echoed through her body like a heated promise. Arianna curled into his pillow, pulling at the earthen scent that clung to his side of the bed. Their bed. She smiled, imagining herself finally getting to run her fingers through his auburn hair, to touch his skin without his heart racing. His powerful body.

But it wasn’t just the physical she craved. She wanted his trust. Arianna needed him to know that no matter what happened, she’d never do anything to harm him, and she certainly wouldn’t betray him.

Guilt still gnawed at her for the wound she’d inflicted to his shoulder. The next time they sparred, she’d be more careful, or perhaps he’d be more aware.

Arianna took in his scent again and her somber thoughts took a darker turn. She remembered their plans in the tent. She’d heard of the village they were striking and though she’d never visited, she could picture it on a map in her father’s office. How many innocents would he kill? Who stood in their way?

Arianna sat up and stared at the embers in the fireplace. What if he encountered the one who’d injured him and never returned? What if she was left with nothing but a broken promise?

Her gaze shifted to the door and Arianna stared at it, willing him to walk through unscathed and take her as far away from the war as possible. They could disappear from the world. Maybe they’d travel to another continent where Fae were nothing but fabled legends and live in peace until the elders of Alastríona faded from the land.

She smiled to herself knowing it could never happen. She’d never abandon Ellie or Talon. Not when she knew they missed her as much as she missed them.

Arianna gathered herself, stood, and set about her morning routine. She heated food for herself, bathed in the washbasin, wishing for something bigger, and rearranged what little herbs still sat in the cabinet.

She finished before noon. Arianna could have worked through her exercises, but instead, she paced, staring at the door, wondering about horrors Rion might face.

Arianna tapped her foot.

Rion had already threatened the Fae in camp, but that didn’t stop her heart from thundering when she opened the door and afternoon light flooded inside. Eoghan stood at the end of the walkway and turned upon hearing the squeak of the hinges. He bowed his head slightly. Those in the vicinity cast her a wary glance before setting about their business.

Arianna scented the air, hoping to catch Rion’s scent, but only metal, smoke, and sweat greeted her.

“Lady Arianna.” She cringed at the title. At least he wasn’t calling her queen. Back in Móirín, ‘lady’ had been a title everyone used to address her. It was a title reserved for the High family. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

She vaguely wondered if Rion had commanded him to stay close. Her eyes still wandered over various faces. “I was hoping to find someone. A half-breed I saw yesterday.” Arianna fidgeted. “I usually meet her at the mess hall.”

“I know the one.”

She raised her brows. “You do?”