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Swords and knives tore from their sheaths and the new male stepped back, his guards closing around him. Water droplets materialized, shifting to deadly spikes of ice. Vines tore from the immaculate gardens and shredded the perfect stone path. Fire sparked and crackled, dancing in the unnatural wind that whipped loose tendrils of Arianna’s hair around her face.

A solid wall of muscle pressed against her back, warm and welcoming. Sand and rock surrounded her on all sides, cascading like water at their feet and towering above their heads in silent challenge. A low growl vibrated through her chest and she imagined him pinning the new male with a cold emerald gaze.

Arianna smiled and leaned back into her mate’s strong frame. Rion hadn’t attacked. He’d come to her aid, a weapon waiting to be used.

The smoky eyes before her narrowed, studying her posture and the dominance of the male at her side. The male’s hand flexed once, the only outward indication that he wanted to intervene.

The council members and warriors stationed to guard the estate all gasped and Arianna scented their rush of panic when Rion’s grains of sand caressed her arm and body.

She scented Talon’s magic next, then Ellie’s. The only two who were willing to stand so close, right in the path of Rion’s magic.

The council member who’d spoken to her before tried to clear his throat, but his voice broke anyway. “Your father was given clear instructions.” He pointed a shaking finger. “That creature defiles this sacred place and everything we stand for. He is—”

“Her mate,” Ellie declared, voice ringing loud and clear. The male shrank back, stunned as if she’d slapped him. Fear twisted his features and his eyes darted between the new male and Rion. Back and forth. Back and forth. Ellie walked right through Rion’s magic, standing before them as if she were their representative. “Rion,” she emphasized his name. “Is her mate. As such, I’d choose your next words to your queen,” she emphasized again, “very, very carefully.”

The council member sputtered. “Mate?” Others began murmuring. “T-That’s not possible. Her mate is—”

“That’s quite enough,” the male with smoky eyes finally said. His features were calm and collected. A stark contrast to everyone else’s. The rest were gaping, likely wondering if they should run or if they’d be reprimanded for the cowardice act. “Put your weapons away.” They obeyed even though fear still laced their scents. Then the warriors at his side returned to their previous positions.

The male offered her a wane smile. “Forgive me, I wasn’t informed of a recent mating bond.” His gaze flicked toward someone in the crowd and he raised his voice a fraction. “If I’d known, I would have given you more time to acclimate and I certainly wouldn’t have paraded you through the city.” His eyes returned to hers. “I’m sure the strain has been demanding.”

The male stepped forward, but Rion snarled in response, flashing his teeth. The male cocked his head, wavy shoulder-length hair shifting with the movement. He didn’t turn his wrists up in submission, nor did he challenge the tone in Rion’s voice. He simply nodded as if answering some unspoken demand.

“I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

They remained like that for what seemed like an eternity. Arianna took it upon herself to break the tension and placed a hand on Rion’s forearm.

She addressed the male. The regent of Ruadhán. “I wasn’t given much of a choice about coming.”

It’s all right, she willed down the bond. His body shifted slightly.

The new male’s brow furrowed. “You are the queen of Alastríona. You have a choice in everything.” He studied Rion’s slowing magic, then her face, which, despite her bath in the river, probably showed how little sleep she’d gotten the night before. “You must be exhausted.” He stepped back and extended his arm, gesturing inside. “We have food and rooms prepared. Please, come inside, we can speak more tomorrow.” He paused. “If you feel so inclined.”

Rion’s magic finally stopped moving and she took in the devastated landscape. Not just from him, but everyone else. “That would be nice.”

“If you’ll follow me.”

They did. She stepped over the threshold and Ellie beamed at her sister. The tension in Talon’s shoulders hadn’t relaxed and she doubted it would for a while.

They entered a large foyer that led into an even bigger sitting room. Lush rugs covered smooth marble floors and large paintings of floral arrangements, the Fairy Folk, and Fae she didn’t recognize hung along the walls. Pottery set atop lacework lined the dark wooden tables and fresh flowers were being tended to by passing servants.

Arianna tried not to stare but found the task impossible. Her eyes betrayed her self-control and ventured toward the vaulted ceilings. Glass chandeliers illuminated the space, bathing everything in their pleasant glow.

She felt as though she’d just stepped back in time. The modern world had done away with so many designs. It was almost a crime. She would have given anything to gaze upon the lifelike artwork back home. She wanted to run to the library and study who had painted the pieces lining the walls, then inquire whether or not the artists still lived so she could thank them for their work.

Centuries. No, longer. They’d kept this place in perfect order as they waited on The Divine. On her. But did she need so much space?

Fae servants roamed the halls, but otherwise the corridors seemed lonely. No one sat upon the soft sofas or wrapped themselves in the plush throws. No one used the glass cups that begged to overhear a quiet conversation. Something about the disuse pulled at a familiar ache deep in her chest.

It was a beautiful, lonely cage desperate for an occupant.

Arianna shook the thoughts away. This was it. Everything in their lives was about to change. She wouldn’t be returning to Móirín, not for a very long time. She wouldn’t gaze upon the waterfalls she’d longed to see while clapped in irons. She wouldn’t speak to the friends and servants she’d neglected and pushed away while she’d mourned for Rion.

Time slowed and a nauseating sensation filled her gut. She had a lot to learn and even more to change. Were the Fae of Ruadhán trustworthy? Could she confide in the council? The regent? Or had deceit and manipulation weaved too deep into their politics? Ellie and her father both seemed to think so.

Would Arianna become a slave once again, bound to her duties and left at the beck and call of others?

Rion tightened his grip on her arm and she turned to find those bottomless green eyes studying her, his brow pinched with concern. Rion. She had Rion and Talon and Ellie. They’d watched her back and she’d watch theirs. Despite leaving home and everything she knew, Arianna had the people who mattered.