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Fine, that was the limit of it then.

Night descended too soon, blanketing the land in darkness. Fires dotted the landscape, courtesy of Raevina and her warriors. Gavin led those from Pádraigín to ensure they remained hidden from view, but most were spending time with their comrades, preparing for what could be the start of an intense battle. Perhaps even the start of another war.

She prayed it wouldn’t come to that. Perhaps Niall would turn the throne over to her and fall to his knees begging his queen for forgiveness.

She seriously doubted it.

At dawn, they’d march the last few miles separating them from Ruadhán.

Their goals were simple. Find the half-breeds, get them out of the city, then attempt to recruit allies. Raevina claimed most would join her cause. Arianna just prayed the female was right.

If they had the numbers, her father would lure Niall out, then his warriors would clap the male in irons before handing the city over to her. Not that she’d know what to do with it. The council members were dead and she had no direction. It would be a month of sorting through paperwork before she would even begin to understand how they’d run the place.

She sighed and watched Rion as her mate helped Talon drop off wood at the edges of already blazing fires. She was certain the two whispered amongst themselves, detailing plans to get her and Ellie to safety should things go wrong.

“You’re looking better.” Arianna almost jumped out of her skin at the sound of her father’s deep voice. Rion’s head whipped around, but upon spotting Avalon he relaxed again. He’d made a point to control his magic around her, for which she was silently grateful.

“I feel better.” How could she not when she had Rion right in front of her? Sure, he was thinner than he used to be and she questioned whether he should be joining them at all. But Arianna knew wherever she went, he would follow.

“The bond is a gift.” Arianna turned to find Avalon studying her mate. He and Talon were so close now, she knew they were planning something. Perhaps it was good they were working together, even if she was the likely topic of conversion. She hated to cause them so much worry.

Avalon cleared his throat. “I apologize for the part I played in trying to tear you two apart.” Well, that certainly wasn’t what she’d expected to hear.

“They said Ellie kept you informed about . . . things.” Like her falling into a depressive state, though she was fairly certain that had all been Niall’s doing.

“Your sister was worried.” He looked her over and Arianna knew he was noting how thin she’d become as well. “I understand why.”

Her anger rose despite his apology. Anger for everything he’d ever put her through. “You care so suddenly?”

Avalon lowered his head. “I deserved that.” He looked away then, staring off into the distance until his gaze rose to the stars dotting the sky overhead. His voice was softer when he spoke again. “Sometimes I can still hear your mother’s voice. She watches over us. Over you.” Arianna swallowed the lump in her throat. “The way I acted toward you when you were a child wasn’t fair. I treated you more like one of my subjects than my daughter.” He was silent again. “I lost myself after your mother’s passing and let grief consume me. I lost my way as Móirín’s leader, and as your father.”

Arianna had gone still. Her father was . . . apologizing to her.

“You carried a strength I couldn’t see, something within that was far more powerful than any physical strength you possessed. Your mother had it, too. I think part of me saw the way you resembled her, and I just—” He shook his head. “I wanted to keep you from having to rely on it. I think I hoped I could protect you when I couldn’t protect her.”

Her father ambled toward a tree and placed his palm flat against the rough bark, almost as if he were feeling the life force within. He took a shaky breath. “I apologize for everything I put you through. I don’t expect your forgiveness. Instead, I offer you the promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure you keep the throne beneath your rule. I will serve as your loyal subject, and I will never question your judgment.”

Avalon turned to her and Arianna could have sworn his eyes shone. “I’m proud of everything you’ve overcome and all that you’ve accomplished. I offer you my full support and I hope one day I’m able to prove myself as a High Lord still worthy of his seat.”

Her lips parted but words wouldn’t form. She didn’t know how to respond or react and when Arianna tried to clear her throat, she failed. Proud. That’s all she’d ever wanted to hear from him and yet it didn’t feel like enough. Not with the memory of his harsh voice still ringing in the back of her mind.

Time. It would take time. That’s how healing was traditionally done.

Arianna nodded and turned her attention to her sister to break the tension. “What about Ellie?” Arianna wasn’t sure what she’d do if her little sister had to return to Móirín anytime soon.

“I’ll teach her everything she needs to know. No more tutors. She’ll be learning directly from me.” Avalon offered her a weak smile. “Unless the worst should happen tomorrow, of course. I just needed you to know that you have my blessing no matter what path you choose to walk.”

The way he said it . . . Her father was usually so confident and his strength was something she needed right now. “You don’t think we’ll win?” Maybe they should retreat after all. Just focus on getting the half-breeds past Niall’s guards and regroup in Levea. But if Whelan’s vision came to pass and Niall raised an army, there was no telling what he might do.

Avalon watched those gathering by the fires. “I’ve seen many battles, yet I think this is the first time I’ve been so afraid.” Arianna startled. Afraid? She’d never known her father to be afraid of anything.

“Why?”

He shrugged. “Maybe because it’s my children’s fate on the line instead of just my own” Avalon tilted his face to the stars again. “No matter what happens, be careful who you trust, and keep Talon and Ellie close.”

Arianna swallowed her fear. “I will.”

He looked her over again, then crossed the small space separating them and rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Be sure to get some rest. You’ll need it.”