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Arianna stared at the book again. “What are you going to do?”

Rion pulled the chair out next to her and sat down, tugging Arianna into her own. “I’ll be right here.”

Arianna scoffed. “I am not reading while you sit here bored out of your mind.”

Her mate gave her another childish smile. “I hoped you might read it to me.”

Her face flushed again and she glanced down the aisle. She hadn’t noticed anyone at the nearby tables. The last thing she wanted to do was disturb anyone’s studies.

Out of excuses, Arianna adjusted her seat and opened to the first page. She glanced at Rion again, suddenly feeling shy. She’d read to Ellie countless times. Even Talon had joined them before the fireplace while she read tales of heroes who rescued their lovers. “You’re sure?”

Rion leaned forward, propping his chin up on a closed fist. “Read me a story, Arianna.”

Chapter Twenty-one

Arianna

Arianna read well into dinner. She lost herself in the pages of the story like she hadn’t done in an age, living through the first part of the character’s trials like they were her own. It was magical, freeing, and Rion clung to every word.

He tensed when others crept near, but no one came into view, as if they somehow knew the pair needed the time to themselves.

Arianna didn’t mind. In fact, she barely noticed anything until her stomach growled. Rion had gently closed the book, making her promise to finish it soon.

She would. When he looked at her like that, Arianna would have happily given him anything.

Dinner was lively again with Talon and Ellie detailing their busy first days. All parties had a lot to learn and it appeared they’d be passing one another in the library frequently.

Talon said he needed to speak with those who guarded Ruadhán’s borders and acclimate himself with the layout and plans in the event of an assault. He needed to learn the rotation of the guards and include Móirín’s elite so they could become better acquainted with their new allies. And watch their movements. When they weren’t guarding the city, Móirín’s elite would guard her—from a distance, Talon assured.

Ellie had busied herself meeting the council members, hunting each of them down to introduce herself. She’d called them old snobs a little too loudly for Arianna’s comfort, but no one in the dining hall seemed to notice. Arianna was thankful for the musicians.

It wasn’t until they were up the stairs and almost to their room that Arianna let out a deep sigh, the muscles in her chest unraveling.

Rion was immediately attentive, running his hands up and down her arm. “Do you need anything?”

She needed a lot of things. Him in a bath with her. To sleep for an entire year undisturbed. To stuff so many chocolates in her mouth she’d be sick. She’d processed so much information and seen so many sights that it all felt like a dream. She wasn’t even sure their meeting with Niall that morning had actually happened.

Arianna was thankful Rion had made her settle down with the book, but she still felt drained, like she hadn’t had a moment to herself in months.

Arianna looked longingly at the double doors at the end of the hall. “Do you think we could sneak out for some fresh air?”

“Say the word and you’re back in Móirín.” He wasn’t kidding.

Arianna interlaced their fingers. “I think I’ll settle for the balcony view Niall promised us.”

Arianna didn’t miss the way Rion stiffened at the male’s name, but he didn’t comment on it, either.

When they reached the doors, she pushed them open, letting the crisp night air wash through her.

A loveseat and a set of chairs stood upon the balcony with two tables that held vases of fresh flowers. Vines crawled up from the first floor, their stems so woody she was sure she could have climbed down without the fear of falling.

Everything they’d walked through earlier lay before her. The maze of hedges stretching toward the far gate, the bench she’d sat upon, and the arches that now had large white moonflowers reaching up to greet the crescent moon.

Arianna wasn’t sure she’d ever grow used to the beauty. She rubbed the scars on her wrists. She couldn’t. Not until everyone experienced the same life. Until everyone had a choice.

“Better?” Rion asked.

She rested her hands on the edge of the balcony and leaned her head against his shoulder. “Much.” Her mate made a satisfied sound and she traced her finger over a leaf. “What about you?” she asked. “How are you handling all this?” She knew he’d struggled around Niall. Everyone knew the ancient texts and who the male was prophesied to become. Not to mention the new area and dangers Ruadhán brought. Rion had followed her to this place, but . . . had she stopped to ask if he even wanted to come?