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Arianna eyed the Regent’s wavy blond hair, the neat clothes that clung to his form, revealing a warrior’s body underneath. Just like yesterday, an ancient air drifted toward her and she couldn’t help but wonder how long he’d held his position in Ruadhán.

“I never caught your name,” Arianna said.

His eyes widened. “My sincerest apologies, My Lady. I’m Niall, son to the High Lord of Pádraigín and acting Regent of Ruadhán.”

She’d thought as much. Arianna glanced at Rion, wondering what Niall made of their mating bond. This was the male prophesied to be her mate. The future king of Alastríona.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Arianna.” He already knew her name. Everyone probably did, still it felt rude not to introduce herself. “And this is Rion.”

Niall’s intense gaze surveyed Rion, locking on the sand still dancing at his feet. Like a predator assessing another in its territory.

“I’ve heard a great many stories about you. You’re rumored to be quite a formidable force.” His gaze darted between them. “Yet, instead of the hell storm I anticipated, I see a protective newly mated male like any other.”

“Stories can be exaggerated,” was Rion’s only reply.

Niall laughed bitterly. “That they can be. Shall we begin?”

Arianna glanced back to look at Talon, Ellie, and Kirian. “I’ll see you later?” she asked them as a group.

Ellie nodded, her face far more serious than it usually was as she glared at Niall. “We’ll be here.” Something about the male must have made Ellie uneasy, or perhaps she’d heard something unpleasant. Arianna would be sure to ask her sister at dinner.

They followed Niall down the hall in strange silence. She wasn’t sure what to say, and speaking to Rion without including the male seemed awkward. Within minutes they exited the manor and Arianna found herself face to face with the entrance to a hedge maze. The stone path only appeared large enough for a couple to walk down hand in hand.

She breathed a sigh of relief when Niall guided them down the wider path that circled the manor.

“The hall leading into your room has a balcony that oversees the gardens. I know you likely haven’t had the chance to see it yet, but I hope it pleases you. It’s the best view in the manor.” His steps slowed to a crawl. “Is the room to your liking?”

“It’s quite . . . large.” Too much. Far too much when the resources could be spent elsewhere.

Niall laughed, the sound full of light and mirth and Arianna swore the breeze laughed with him, ruffling the flowers and carrying a few petals in the wind. “I’m sure a great many things seem,” he paused, searching for the word, “extravagant. I hope you’ll forgive us for it. Many of us have waited a very long time to see you. Most have been preparing their entire lives and here you stand. A young, modest queen.”

She felt her insignificance at the word young. To him and the council she was likely nothing more than a child.

“It’s just—” She wanted to tell him it was horrible. She wanted to scream that she couldn’t stand the plush pillows, the silken sheets, the warm fireplace, and all the gold and glittering jewels.

Niall’s face faltered. “It displeases you?”

Arianna composed herself. “I’m just not accustomed to such finery.”

Niall offered her a gentle smile, one full of whispered promises, and her gut knotted. “I hope you’re able to acclimate to it. The High Lords will want to shower you with gifts beyond measure. They would take offense if you refused.” Surely she could pass those treasures along and help those in need.

Arianna studied him. There were so many things to plan, but Arianna wanted to feel Niall out first. See if he offered his ideals before she shared her own.

Walled hedges grew to their left with green and floral topiaries cut into windowed slots that gave the scene life. Flowering vines grew up the side of the manor on trellises. Everything was in bloom and the sweet fragrance pulled at her senses, begging Arianna to take a moment and appreciate its beauty.

She’d spent so long surrounded by death, drowning in a misery she was sure would never end.

And now. And now. . .

Arianna extended her hand toward a wisteria bloom on the edge of a trellis. She let her fingers trace the soft petals and leaned closer to smell the delicate blossoms.

“Is it a favorite?” Niall asked.

Arianna withdrew her hand, suddenly self-conscious. Both males had paused to stare at her. She recalled what Rion had said at breakfast about nothing being too miniscule and suddenly she didn’t want Niall part of this moment. She wished it were just Rion and her walking the gardens, discovering everything there was to know about the magical estate prepared just for her.

“Yes,” she backed away from the flower and Niall furrowed his brow. “But I favor a lot. It’s difficult to choose when they’re all so beautiful.”

“Gorgeous,” he agreed, stepping forward as if he might close the short distance separating them. Rion flashed his teeth and Niall smiled, unfazed by her mate’s aggression. “Of course, how could I forget? It’s simply years of ingrained court pleasantries. I meant nothing by it.”