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“I’ve been distant because you have a moody partner who tried to rip my head off.”

“He’s not—” she stopped herself when she saw him smiling. This was Talon. This was her friend and he was coming with her. He’d stand at her side, and they’d face whatever the royal city had to throw at them together.

Chapter Fourteen

Arianna

Arianna smoothed the fabric of her royal blue tailcoat, running her fingers over the metal buttons that lined the front. She absent-mindedly traced the swirling patterns of silver trailing over the bodice and down the sleeves. The dark pants Ellie had chosen fit snugly against her skin. Tight, yet comfortable. She loosed a shaky breath, silently thankful the coat provided enough room to hide several knives at her waist. They were fashionable, of course, per Ellie’s request, with smooth gems of various colors lining the handles.

Black boots with shining silver buckles rose halfway up her calves and Myrna had gifted her a long necklace with a pendant to represent the waterfalls of Móirín. A token of home while she was away.

Ellie had pulled her hair back in a braid decorated with fresh flowers but left a few tendrils loose to frame her face. She looked just as Ellie had promised. Simple, yet elegant.

Arianna carefully scratched the corner of her eye, hoping to avoid smearing the kohl her sister had lined them with an hour ago.

She fidgeted with the gloves, lacing then unlacing her fingers. Sweat rolled down the back of her neck. Her foot tapped. A clock ticked, her throat went dry, then Arianna tore the gloves off and threw them to the ground. They’d only hinder her if she needed to defend herself anyway.

The room swayed and she swallowed hard, her breath ragged. She was leaving home. Again. In just a few moments she was expected to parade before the citizens of Levea as a happy queen who was ready to sacrifice her freedom for the continent.

Only she wasn’t. Arianna wasn’t the ruler they needed. She wasn’t some great war hero full of brave tales that bards could spin into legends. She was just an eighteen-year-old female who wanted to read her books, sip hot cocoa, and curl up in a quiet part of the world with the male she loved.

Arianna tried and failed to draw in a breath. She pulled at the collar of her coat and the world spun in a sudden rush of colors.

Pure white gloves to hide the calluses and scars. Neatly pressed clothes to display her unearned status. Perfectly clean blades that concealed the secrets of her stained hands.

Her body shook and suddenly the scent of rotting flesh and unwashed bodies consumed her, throwing her back into irons and torn ragged clothes. She sloshed through mud instead of pacing clean plush rugs and tasted moldy cheese in place of the chocolates she’d consumed earlier.

Arianna’s throat tightened. Bodies lined the floor and their blood spilled down the walls. Were the souls she’d claimed chanting her name or was that the wind whispering a harsh reminder?

She gripped the sides of her head, willing the images to disappear, but they kept spinning in relentless torrents. Her magic pulsed, the ancient thing calling and cooling her skin.

A hand touched her shoulder and she whirled, that magic spreading at her feet. Her heart pounded in her ears but strong arms pulled her close, cradling her against a solid frame.

She breathed, the jagged thing in her chest loosening a fraction. They weren’t at war. But weren’t they? Isn’t that why she was here? Why she was traveling to Ruadhán? Because the world was at war with itself and the nations divided by hate and prejudice?

“You’re safe,” Rion said, his voice almost a whisper. “I’m here.” She buried her face in his chest, inhaling his earthen scent. She clutched the fabric of his new tunic, wrinkling the material. Her breathing returned to normal. The sounds and memories faded and Arianna finally pulled away, taking a shaky breath.

“If this is too much, you can tell Ruadhán to wait. They’re here to serve you, not the other way around.”

Arianna shook her head. “I have to go.” Especially after what had happened at the city gate.

A knock, then Talon entered, his nostrils flaring as he scented her fear floating in the air. “You okay?” There was genuine concern in his voice.

“Yeah. I think so.” Talon’s gaze drifted to the thin layer of frost covering the rug at her feet and Arianna grimaced. “How soon does the shift happen?”

“Depends,” Talon said. “Could be today, could be in another year, but that,” he nodded to the frost. “Is only going to get worse.”

Rion glared at him. “She has enough to worry about.”

“She just needs to work it off. Preferably in the sparing ring. Her magic is craving an outlet and she isn’t giving it one.”

“I would be happy to volunteer as first in the ring,” her sister said, popping her head around Talon’s shoulder. She carried a tray of refreshments, dressed in a pair of trousers and decorated jacket herself. “Drink this.” Arianna took the steaming mug and almost moaned at the sweet taste of warm chocolate. “I brought you one, too,” she said to Rion, “but if you don’t want to drink it, don’t worry, she will.”

“Is everything ready?” Talon asked.

Ellie waved him off. “Yes, yes, Rion and I have it under control.” She shrugged. “And if the worst happens, we’ll just fight our way in, then Arianna can come to our rescue.” Talon rolled his eyes. Ellie winked then turned to Rion. “Our only hiccup could be you losing control. If your magic sneaks out, they’ll scent you before we get inside.”

Arianna rubbed her temples. “Remind me again why he’s not just walking in with me?”