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So now she just had to wait and hope and pray that a stranger she barely knew would give her the information she needed to find Rion before it was too late.

***

Arianna stood in the gardens and gazed up into the night sky, watching the stars twinkle against the black void overhead. Arianna wondered if Rion stared at the same sky and how he was faring. He was still silent. So still and silent. She thought she’d felt a flicker of him earlier that day, but when she’d searched the bond, there had been nothing.

She needed him. Gods, she needed him and she didn’t understand why she had cowered in her room for so long. She had let herself waste away. Allowed her body to fatigue and had wasted valuable time that could have been spent searching for her mate.

Arianna glanced at her arm and the scar that had formed. She could still recall the pain and the way the snap had rippled through her entire body. It still ached even now.

Looking back, Arianna recognized she could have fought against him, maybe even prevented some of the damage, but she hadn’t thought to defend herself at all. Because she never imagined in a million lifetimes that Rion could hurt her.

Her heart quickened at the memory and Arianna forced it away, clearing her thoughts. She feared how she might react upon seeing him again. The mere thought of her bone breaking sent distress coursing through her anew. Would she be scared of him? Would she run into his arms or hesitate? And how was he feeling about the whole situation?

Terrible, she presumed, but she didn’t really know, wouldn’t know until he wakened from the other side of the bond.

“Can’t sleep?” Niall’s voice floated from behind and Arianna turned slightly to lock eyes with Raevina and Talon. They stood at opposite ends and often avoided conversation. She couldn’t fathom why, especially when Ellie mentioned they’d danced with one another at the ball. Maybe things hadn’t gone well after that.

Arianna nodded toward the pair, indicating all was well.

“I don’t sleep too much anymore,” she admitted.

“Raevina seems to have taken a liking to you.”

Arianna followed his gaze before turning back to the sky. “That tends to happen when I heal people.”

He chuckled. “Yes, I suppose it would.” Silence fell between them. “Worried for your mate?”

“Pseudo mate, according to you and everyone else here.”

Niall grimaced. “I’m sorry if that upsets you.”

Arianna sighed and ran a hand over her face. “No, I apologize, I didn’t mean to snap.” She was so tired, but Niall had helped her the other day by locating the books she needed. He’d even sat with her and coaxed her into eating. He was the last person she needed to be snapping at.

“You’re very kind,” Niall said. “You have an intense loyalty toward your friends, and your subjects—at least those within the manor—have taken note of it.” He smiled. “I’d venture to say you’d be worried if any of them disappeared. It’s a good trait to possess as a queen.”

“They’re probably happy he’s gone.”

“They’re not happy to see you so distressed and neither am I. Your arrival is meant to be a joyous occasion, and it seems there’s been sadness thrown into the mix at every corner.” He shifted to face her and she recoiled slightly when he brushed a strand of hair from her face.

Niall’s voice lowered. “You should be picking out decorations for your coronation and trying on dresses. You should be tasting wine and visiting with those who run the vineyards. You should be swapping your ideas with the council, as you used to, and helping to usher this continent toward a time of peace.” His brows softened. “Your absence has been noted and you are sorely missed.”

“I’ve heard the rumors. Are people really rioting?”

He sighed and looked away. “We expected resistance. It’s inevitable where change is concerned, but I’ll admit, it’s a bit more than I’d anticipated.”

“What can we do to fix it?”

“You could make a public appearance.”

“I thought that was dangerous.”

“It is, but I’ll be with you and we’ll be ready should things go astray. In different circumstances, I’d be against it, especially with what happened last time, but I think the people need to see their queen.” He smiled again, this one fuller. “They need a face to worship instead of words on a paper.”

Her lip quivered. “How am I supposed to celebrate or do anything of consequence knowing he’s out there, likely hurt and in need of help? What am I—” Her throat tightened and Arianna’s voice cracked. “What do I do if the bond snaps completely?”

Niall caught the tear that rolled down her cheek and his hand lingered, rubbing against the side of her face. She wouldn’t meet his gaze. Part of her wanted to pull away, but another part coaxed her to linger.

“Look at me.” She obeyed. “You push on. You rest in the knowledge that you are doing everything you can, and others are doing the same. You do the things you originally set out to do and no matter what, you never give up.” He offered a gentle smile. “And know that if you ever need someone to talk to, I’ll be right here.”