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Her father tried to walk past with nothing more than a smile, but Arianna ducked beneath his arm and pulled him close, wrapping both arms tightly around his torso.

She thought she felt him tremble slightly as he held her.

They’d rebuild. After today, they’d rebuild more than just the continent. They’d rebuild their relationship and the relationships of those between every nation.

A home was built one brick at a time and this was where she would start.

“Be careful.”

He patted her back. “You, too.” Then he was gone, disappearing into the night to make preparations with his warriors as the High Lord of Móirín. She watched his retreating form and wondered who he turned to for comfort after her mother’s passing. Maybe no one. Perhaps that was why he’d drowned for so many years.

Arianna found Rion waiting for her by a fire. She crossed the clearing but her mate didn’t reach out. Her heart ached because of it. They were about to go to battle and he still felt so distant.

“What did your father say?”

She took her mate’s hand and squeezed before leading him closer to the heat of the fire. The air wasn’t cold, not by a long shot, but something about the warmth brought her comfort.

“He’s afraid.”

Rion studied the flames then bent to toss another log over them. Embers sprayed up like fireflies, then died.

“As am I.”

Arianna tilted her head, trying to see his face. “You don’t think we’ll win either?”

“It’s not about winning. It’s about what direction everything will flow after tomorrow. Even if we win, the challenges won’t stop there.”

She sighed. “I know.” And she’d likely have a target on her back for the rest of her life.

“I wish—” Rion stopped himself.

“What?”

He shook his head. “It’s a selfish thought.”

“Tell me anyway.”

Rion ran a hand through his hair. “I just wish we had more time. I want to be alone with you and talk about everything that happened.” He squeezed her hand. “I want to earn your trust back, but I guess an impending conflict doesn’t really afford us that kind of time.”

Arianna faced the flames again. “No, it doesn’t.” She felt the exact same way. She wanted to take him back to that little cabin in the woods and sit in the silence. She wanted to teach her body that Rion’s touch wasn’t something to be feared.

“Maybe after we win,” she said.

“Yeah?”

Arianna nodded. “I’ll set things in motion, then pass the reins to Ellie for a while.”

“Should we worry about her setting everything on fire in our absence?”

Arianna smirked at that. “Maybe her and Saoirse can make the new council’s lives interesting while we’re away.” If she got that far. Short of the ambassadors, Arianna didn’t really know anyone from the other nations. She’d be hard pressed to replace Declan and the others.

“I spoke to Talon earlier.” She inclined her head to listen. “He said they’ll be able to handle things up top and that it’s best if I stay with you.”

“Good.” They’d discussed a few possibilities but hadn’t settled on a definitive yet. Both males probably thought the best way to keep her from joining the fray was to keep Rion out of it, too. They were right. She wasn’t about to let Niall put him in iron again.

Silence stretched and an owl called from a nearby tree. Another answered, sentinels keeping watch. Hushed whispers floated through the air as others settled down for the night.

The fire crackled and Rion tossed another log into it. Arianna sighed, then leaned her head against Rion’s shoulder. So much. There was so much about to happen.