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Then again, maybe it was all luck and the gods didn’t intervene at all.

Smoke rose in the distance, then homes dotted the horizon one by one. She swallowed, suddenly nervous. How should she act around them and what were their expectations?

She would heal the sick and injured, that was a given, but would she be allowed to help unload supplies or build alongside those crafting additional living quarters?

Did she need to worry about the rebel factions attacking her again or had Niall already weeded them out?

They drew closer and closer and Arianna spotted Fae working in the fields. They paused upon seeing the wagons, then many were bounding for the village, likely to spread news of their arrival.

By the time they rode into the village, it seemed as though every able bodied Fae lined the dirt street, watching with excited eyes. But they weren’t looking at her. They studied the wagons, their hands seeming to itch to unpack the contents.

Many were thin, too thin, and their clothes were filthy and riddled with holes. Some of the homes that stood had fresh posts and strong roofs, but others were on the verge of collapse. And Fae still stood in the doorways as if claiming the space for themselves.

How long had Niall been helping? Not too long, from the looks of it.

Arianna watched as guards jumped from their horses and greeted those with whom they were familiar. Many of the villagers ran up to Niall and bowed deeply before bombarding him with a sea of questions.

Arianna counted the houses and stopped counting heads when she realized there wasn’t enough shelter for the crowd by half.

Sleeping and nighttime arrangements were likely a very crowded and uncomfortable experience.

Niall’s smile was infectious. He met a female with open arms and she offered a warm smile in return. Then she patted Niall’s shoulder as if he weren’t over seven hundred years old. “Our dear Niall.” She stepped back and bowed. “Never one to be late, are you?” She eyed the wagons and raised a brow. “Did the council finally approve our request for additional supplies?”

“Actually, you can thank our young queen for her generous donation.” He held out an open palm to gesture to Arianna.

The female’s lips parted and she openly stared, those dark, haunted eyes soaking in every detail. Her hair was a sea of gold in the afternoon sun, spilling over her shoulders in gentle waves.

“You brought the queen,” the female said, a bit breathless. Arianna swung her leg over the saddle and slid down the horse’s side.

The female, still gaping, stepped forward, scented the air, then hissed and recoiled back. Talon drew his sword and placed himself in front of Arianna. Three Móirín guards did the same, flanking her friend. Six other guards summoned their magic and awaited instructions.

The woman growled, the hatred in her tone deep and unforgiving. “You’re with that creature?” Arianna stiffened and the female clenched her hands, eyes wide and wild. “You—you—”

Niall placed a gentle hand on the female’s shoulder, but she shook him off. He frowned. “If I could, I’d like to speak with you for a moment. In private.”

Though they’d embraced just a moment ago, the female looked more ready to tear him apart than talk. She hesitated, clearly undecided before finally leading Niall away.

Arianna didn’t dare to move. Not out of fear, but because she didn’t want them to fear her, not any more than they already did.

She hated the smell and the way it glided through the air. Arianna was glad Rion hadn’t come. Those staring at her would have either attacked him in a sad attempt to protect their homes or they would have outright fled.

The minutes ticking by were painful and full of uncertainties.

Talon and her guards remained exactly where they were until Niall and the female returned. She was still visibly upset, but at least she’d heard him out. Arianna only wished she knew what he’d said.

Talon didn’t move.

“Niall has kindly explained the pseudo bond. I didn’t realize you’d faced such turmoil. Strange how we attach ourselves to our captors, is it not?” Okay, maybe she could have done without knowing.

Arianna glared at Niall. “It is not a pseudo bond.”

The female offered her a sad smile. “Of course not.”

Arianna swallowed the urge to argue. Every cell in her body wanted to defend her mate, but before she could speak, the female said, “Come, walk with me, child.”

Child. Not queen. Not lady. Arianna bit the inside of her cheek. Talon put his sword away and the others relaxed, though they seemed to keep their sharp gazes locked on the villagers.

Arianna took a steadying breath. She needed to remain calm. These people had only recently been freed from the ravages of war. They’d likely experienced things beyond her imagination and she couldn’t fault them for their anger or caution.