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They exited the cabin in the early hours of dawn to find the villagers outside. Two stood over a fire, heating up some of the food she and Rion had delivered last night. And the little girl was awake, standing before the flames with bright round eyes.

Arianna clenched Rion’s hand and he smiled as he watched the girl dance on the tips of her toes. She’d be okay. More than okay.

Rion’s magic still floated around Arianna, as it always did, but those watching didn’t seem to mind as they bid the two good morning. Perhaps they knew he was protecting her and it gave them a sense of comfort.

Is this what she could look forward to every morning? A community breakfast they prepared together? Rion assisting those who worked in the field while she tended to the animals and made cheese and bread?

It wasn’t a life of riches and gold, but it provided things of far greater value. Community, trust, family, and friends. Here, there wasn’t court life to dance around or the half-truths that came with it.

Here, they simply lived, and she could spend eternity doing just that.

Arianna shouldered an empty pack. “I’ll be back shortly with more supplies, and Rion will keep building until there’s enough homes for everyone.”

“We’d like to help,” a male said. He shot a tentative gaze at Rion. “I mean, if we’re going to live here, we should earn our keep. And we’ll get more done that way. I-If that’s all right.”

Rion nodded, but before he could reply a thunderous sound filled the air and Arianna spun to find a dozen horses, all with riders clad in black, shining armor barreling toward them.

The villagers stepped back and the children ran into the cabin. Arianna positioned herself at the village’s center with Rion at her side, his magic whipping out and springing to life.

Not again. This couldn’t happen a second time. She’d only told one guard where she was going. And they’d left under the cover of darkness. Surely no one could have figured out her location that fast.

But as the dozen horses drew closer, Arianna recognized Niall at the front. He wore metal armor of black and gold and his face was drawn into a strained grimace.

She tried to resist rolling her eyes as they neared. Every one of the warriors drew their weapons and the villagers standing behind her stumbled back.

Arianna waited patiently until Niall was close enough to dismount. He looked her over from head to toe then examined the village and those within. He wouldn’t even look at Rion.

“What’s going on?” he demanded. “Are you hurt?”

She sighed. Arianna had told the guard she’d be back before morning. She supposed she should have kept that promise.

Arianna shook her head. “Someone needed my help. I was just on my way back.”

“Someone—” he faltered. “The guard said you’d left in a hurry last night and hadn’t returned. I thought—” Niall let out a shaky breath and ran his hand through his blond locks. She’d never seen him so disheveled.

“I’m fine,” Arianna assured.

“You can’t just leave like that, you need an armed guard at all times. We need to know—”

“I have Rion,” she said.

Niall pinned her with a sharp look. “It’s not enough. Not after last week. If anything happens to you, if the world were to discover their queen—” he cut himself off again. “What were you thinking?”

Arianna furrowed her brow. “I was thinking I’m free to come and go as I please. I didn’t realize I was a prisoner.”

“You’re not. You—” he loosed another breath and took a few moments to collect himself. “You’re okay then?”

She nodded and Niall finally surveyed those standing behind her. “These people. They need further assistance.” It wasn’t a question, but Arianna nodded anyway. Niall looked them over again, then studied the cabins. One finished and three under construction.

“This is your doing?” he asked Rion.

Rion nodded and Niall finally let the stress fall from his shoulders. “Put your weapons away,” he commanded his guards. He looked ready to say more, perhaps reprimand her further, but stopped himself.

“When do you wish to return, my Lady?” His face was pulled taunt, like he loathed the idea of her spending another moment in this place.

“I was just heading back. They need more food and supplies and—”

“I’ll have a team put everything together right away, along with additional building supplies and seed so they can begin planting. We’ll also gather a few animals that are well maintained. They’ll be here before the afternoon.”