Page 126

“Mostly?”

Disgust crossed her features. “I found a book I would have rather not set eyes on. I mean, who details their,” she paused, searching for the word, “encounters and sets a numeric value about—you know what? Never mind, it’s too gross to even talk about.”

“You read a lot of it?”

Rion thought her face might have turned a shade green. “I thought it was coded or something. I didn’t seriously think anyone would—” She shook her head again. “Can we change the subject, please?”

He chuckled. “Sure.” But silence stretched between them as he placed the first posts in the ground, setting what would be the framework for the first cabin. Rion planned for it to have a living area and a bedroom with a small kitchen against one wall. Four windows, for which he’d need to request supplies, and a sturdy fireplace that would keep its occupants warm come winter.

Ellie tested his posts, checking they were straight. “I’ve been meaning to bring something up with you and Arianna, but there never seems to be a good time.” He raised a brow so she continued. “You’re Arianna’s mate.”

“Yes,” he said a bit uncertainly.

Ellie gave him a knowing look. “You’re The Divine’s mate.”

Rion lifted another post and set it beside the others. “What are you getting at?”

She released an exasperated sigh. “Why is no one willing to talk about this? The Divine’s mate is supposed to be the king of Alastríona.”

Rion tightened his grip on the wood, fingers splintering the smooth post. “You can’t say things like that.”

“Why not? It’s true. The texts are very specific. That’s why they’re all convinced it’s a pseudo bond, because if it’s not, then you are the rightful king.”

“What kind of king,” Rion tasted the word, “kills his own people?”

“Look, I know you’ve done some horrible things, but that doesn’t change the fact—”

“It changes everything,” he interrupted. “You see the way everyone stares at her. They’re baffled by her choice in me, and some of them are angry, questioning her judgement. That wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for me. Even if fate claims I’m to rule at her side, there isn’t a soul on this continent who would claim me as their sovereign.”

“I would.”

Rion’s lips parted and he stared at the young defiant female. She had made every effort to show him she wasn’t afraid and just like his mate, Ellie was willing to accept him as he was, sins and all.

“That . . . means a great deal to me.”

“Talon would too, you know.”

He scoffed. “Talon can’t stand the sight of me.”

“He doesn’t hate you. He just wants Arianna to be happy and his feelings are complicated right now. Give him time and you’ll see.”

Rion shifted another post into position and sank it into the ground. “Even so, three people aren’t going to make a difference.”

“Four,” Ellie corrected. “Kirian counts, not to mention the former slaves residing in Levea.”

Rion remembered Zylah’s words. Many of them regard you as their savior. He shook his head. “It’s not enough.”

“It’s a start, and more than you had a few months ago. Probably more than you’ve ever had,” she ventured. “You’re earning people’s trust. Even if the progress is slow, I bet you’ll be surprised before the end at how many would pledge themselves to you.”

A dream, he reasoned. A dream that was so far-fetched, it might as well have been a fairytale. But then, he had believed in one of those before, too.

Chapter Forty-nine

Arianna

Arianna slammed the book shut and moved onto the next. She thumbed through the pages, searching chapter headings and images. Nothing. Nothing at all about the previous Divine aside from vague descriptions and passages that recited the ancient text.

It was maddening. How could a figure so important to their history not have endless books detailing her life, her accomplishments, her name? Arianna had only stumbled across one passage and her heart had plummeted.