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“The son of Pádraigín’s High Lord is acting regent of Ruadhán. I expect you’ll be met with confrontation where Rion is concerned. As such, I’m sending you with a few of my handpicked warriors.” He nodded toward Talon. “Which Talon is among.”

“Yes, sir.”

Arianna’s head whirled toward him and the surprise on her face caused hurt to flash across his. She hadn’t been sure if he’d come with her after what had happened with Rion. They hadn’t spoken since. Hadn’t seen one another.

“They want to leave tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow?!”

“I know it’s soon.”

She stood. “Don’t they know what just happened with Fiadh? I can’t leave when there’s still so much to do.” Not that she’d helped with the relief effort.

“Your presence in the city has been noted. As has your absence. Your people worry for you and some have started to question why you haven’t addressed them as their queen.” His eyes sparkled with something like pride on the word. “I’d venture to say those in the estate know Rion is your mate, but others don’t and wonder if you’re a captive within the walls of your own home.”

“So I just abandon them?” She’d been so occupied, so distracted with her mate and healing those in the infirmary. No, not distracted. They were an excuse. An escape. She was running all over again. Arianna clenched her jaw.

Avalon stood. “You make a grand exit worthy of your country. You dress and act the part. You reassure your people and leave with a smile on your face, promising to change the continent for the better.”

Promises. But did she have the strength to fulfill them?

“Even if you hate me,” he continued. “You are still my daughter. And if you need aid, need anything, you have but to call. I won’t leave you to their selfish agendas.” She’d frozen in place. “Which is why I’m also sending Ellie with you.” He chuckled when her eyes widened. “Not that she would have stayed even if I’d ordered it. Your sister may not seem like it, but she’s attended enough classes to help you negotiate. She’ll also function as an adviser in my stead until you acclimate to your new home.”

Home. “I’m not coming back.” It wasn’t a question. Of course she wasn’t coming back.

Her father gave her a sad smile. “Ruadhán is meant for The Divine. They’ve, no, we’ve waited on you for centuries.” That pride returned to his face. “I only wish your mother was here to see you now.”

“Me, too.” Arianna pushed up from the table and Talon did the same. She wasn’t sure what to do with herself, but her father spoke again before she could leave.

“There’s something else.” He grimaced and gestured to the letter. “They stated The Demon wasn’t to come anywhere near the city, else there’d be consequences.”

Chapter Ten

Arianna

She didn’t leave the following morning. Nor the morning after that or the one after. In fact, she’d refused to leave the family estate at all, just going to the infirmary and back with Rion at her side.

He’d told her all about Ellie’s plan. It was reckless, stupidly dangerous, and it just might be their only choice.

She’d said three words to her father before she’d stormed from his office.

I’m not going.

The finality in her tone must have been enough because he hadn’t summoned her again. Talon hadn’t stopped by either.

Despite the promised dangers, Rion didn’t push the issue, even if she could see him watching the shadows a bit more closely than before.

Was staying wrong? They could travel to Brónach, but she knew the masses would follow and the violence along with it.

Maybe her entire life would turn into her hiding all over again, running from one place to another with Rion at her side. No. She couldn’t hide anymore. She had responsibilities, people who were relying on her. She just needed to figure out how to navigate Rion’s existence into the mix.

A knock at their door had Arianna sighing. Rion was already on his feet, the book he’d been reading forgotten on the wooden stand in the living area. She pushed the eggs she’d been cooking onto a plate and brushed her hands over her apron.

Arianna scented the air. Ellie. Of course it was Ellie.

Arianna’s annoyance rose. Ellie had begged her at least half a dozen times to reconsider traveling to Ruadhán. She’d declined.

Arianna prepared herself for an argument, but when she opened the door, her sister’s haggard expression had Arianna biting her tongue. “What’s wrong?” Rion was behind his mate a second later.