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“That’s why he imprisoned you.”

“Niall imprisoned me. The High Lord ordered my death.”

Right, Arianna kept forgetting they still had someone else to contend with. Someone who already sounded worse than Niall.

“I was tricked, and by the time I realized what was happening, there was iron around my wrists.” Rion’s fists clenched. “I guess I should be thankful Niall disobeyed his father. He made a mistake and now I’m free.” The hollowness in her gaze made Arianna wonder if she really was free. How long would the nightmares last?

“Why change history at all?” Arianna asked. “What is his goal?”

Eimear shrugged. “That is one question I don’t have an answer to. Many have done terrible things for power, but his is a plan that has stretched across the ages. There’s more to it than simply obtaining the throne. I just don’t know what.”

“The current text is wrong then,” Rion said. “About Arianna’s mate coming from Pádraigín.”

Eimear raised a brow. “I thought that would be obvious by now. It’s wrong about a great deal of things. Namly, someone possessing your magic being a threat. You, my son, are the furthest thing from a threat. You’re the protector of The Divine.”

Rion’s breath hitched. “So you’re telling me . . .”

Eimear smiled as if Rion were a child again. “Yes. You are the rightful king of this continent, and the male carved in that stone was the best ruler this land has ever known.”

Chapter Ninety-eight

Arianna

Everyone told her to rest. They begged her not to help, but Arianna refused to listen. She wouldn’t be coddled and most certainly wouldn’t sit on a cushion while the rest of them were left to the elements.

There weren’t enough homes to go around, and thus the village elders had agreed to build additional residences for those who wished to remain in the village. Everyone else was packing to accompany her father back to Levea.

Arianna healed those who’d been injured and carried bags to load wagons alongside everyone else.

Raevina and her warriors questioned the citizens of Ruadhán and wrote up detailed reports for Arianna to review at a later time. Thus far, Raevina had only locked up two individuals who she claimed were spies and still loyal to Niall. Arianna didn’t question her.

Most, thankfully, seemed to have Alastríona’s best interests at heart. Arianna had scolded a few who had sneered at the half-breeds and informed them that if their prejudices persisted, they’d find themselves exiled. They’d quickly fallen silent and she hadn’t heard a complaint since.

The villagers were surprisingly receptive to Rion’s aid as he cleared debris and leveled the land. Rumor had spread that he’d been the one to slow the city down and had ultimately aided in their survival. Many were even offering him gifts while he worked, and Arianna smiled at the awkward exchanges. She never wandered far, just in case someone reached for a hidden blade. The factions were still out there, after all. Yet another thing they’d have to contend with.

Saoirse helped to plant and accelerate the growth of crops, though she mentioned something about a better harvest if the plants were left to grow on their own. Those from Fiadh kept the fires roaring, and warriors from Móirín watered the fields and replenished their wells.

When they weren’t building, they were digging through the ruined city in search of bodies and salvageable supplies in the rubble.

Even those from Pádraigín aided with the recovery effort as they moved heavy items and massive boulders from one location to another. Arianna wouldn’t allow herself to be prejudiced against their magic. A citizen couldn’t choose their leader.

Arianna studied the moving pieces. They were working together, and she was confident now more than ever that a unity between each nation is what would bring them peace. Perhaps if they uncovered the original ancient texts, it would tell her what to do. It might also explain how Talon and Ellie had found their mates when the bond was said to be so rare.

Arianna finally spotted Talon in the crowd and ran to catch up with him. “Have you seen Ellie?”

Sweat rolled down the male’s face but he shook his head. “I haven’t seen her all morning.” His brow furrowed. “Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her since yesterday.”

Arianna hadn’t seen Kirian, either. She wondered if her sister was taking some time alone with the male after her recent brush with death. Still, Ellie should have told someone. With all the criminals that had escaped, Arianna couldn’t help but worry for her little sister.

Work continued well into late afternoon, then the villagers lit fires and the scent of roasted meat floated through the air, making her mouth water.

Just as they’d done last night, the villagers led Rion and Arianna toward the largest fire and the wooden tables that surrounded it. She didn’t hesitate to dig into the immaculate food.

Arianna didn’t sit at the head of a table here, and servants didn’t rush to her every need, though a few villagers tried. She felt as if she were among the people, and they included her in their plans for the future, always seeking her approval. She finally felt at home. Relaxed.

Arianna looked past the crowd. Her father was set to leave in two days, and they planned to get at least two dozen more homes built before then. The weather was pleasant enough to sleep beneath the stars, but Arianna didn’t want anyone stranded out in the rain.

Avalon agreed it would be an easy task.