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Arianna stepped out of his reach and crossed her arms over her chest. “How are you okay with this?”

“With your desire for another male, you mean?” She nodded. “The bond hasn’t made itself known to me. I might be less inclined to be so . . . patient if it had, but I’d still try. The fact of the matter is that you don’t know me well enough. You’ve been thrust into a new world full of strangers, and a few months isn’t enough time to form any sort of bond.” He leaned against the balcony and clasped his hands together. “Though I’d like it very much if we could be friends.”

“I think I’d like that.”

“Shall we exchange favorite colors then? Books? Music?”

“I didn’t think the Regent had time for things like that.”

“My Lady, I will always make time for you.”

Arianna surveyed the dark garden. “I want to do more for the people, but I don’t think I’m ready to tour the country yet. I need to be here in case any news shows up. But I do want to help.”

“Fair enough.” He seemed to think, gazing at the stars the entire time. “I know it might prove painful, but we could proceed with your coronation. That would allow the leaders to gather and news to spread through the papers. It would give the people something to look forward to.”

A gentle breeze blew through the area and her head swam. Niall allowed her to stand in comfortable silence. The coronation. She had wanted Rion present for it, to see his smiling face as she marched down the aisle and was officially crowned queen over the continent. But Rion wasn’t here and she didn’t know when they would find him. Soon. Gods, she prayed it was soon. But what if it wasn’t? What if she went weeks, months, years searching for him? Would she make the slaves wait that long? Would Zylah forgive her if she did?

Zylah. Why had she not thought about her friend until now? Was the female doing okay with the arrangements of the former slaves? Was the transition to a paid role going smoothly, or had it all crumbled in on itself? And what about the children across the continent? Were some free and others not? Had the council appointed someone to enforce her new law or were they waiting on her, not daring to act until she gave confirmation?

“I’ll do it,” she finally said.

“You’re certain?”

Arianna nodded. “You’re right. I can’t just sit around and do nothing. Everyone is searching for Rion and in the meantime, I will do my part for the people.”

Niall shook his head, but a smile still graced his features. “Every day I have to remind myself of your youth, and every day you prove you’re just as capable as someone ten times your age.” He eyed her. “The gods chose their queen well.”

Arianna flushed. “Most of the time I feel like I’m in over my head.”

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I won’t let you drown.”

She smirked. “Not sure someone from Móirín could drown.”

“Good point.” He turned to face her again. “I have my warriors out searching for him as well.”

“You do?” She searched for the lie and didn’t find one.

“That surprises you?”

Arianna studied a couple strolling through the gardens. “Without him, no one stands in your way.”

“Without him, you’re unhappy. And your sister is still a barricade I have yet to break through.”

Arianna laughed. “She just doesn’t trust strangers.”

“I see.”

“You’re not the one who took him?”

“Are you accusing me?”

Arianna stared at her clenched hands. “Without Rion, I’d be more inclined to lean on you. Trust you.”

“And what would that trust amount to if you discovered such actions? After centuries of waiting, what’s a few more decades if need be?”

She finally looked up. “Friends, then?”

Niall smiled again. “Friends. Though if you ever decide you want more,” he kissed the back of her hand and his heated gaze twisted her stomach. “Know I’m already yours.”