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“I’ve been told you’ve already met my assistant, Gavin.”

He waved and Arianna waved back. “I did, he was very helpful yesterday.”

Fina sat up. “Helpful how?”

“He escorted me to the library.”

“She has an amazing reading voice.” Gavin’s face reddened before he admitted, “I might have stuck around.”

Arianna returned his smile. “That’s okay. I knew I had a small audience.”

Instead of looking annoyed, as Gavin had claimed he often did, Niall seemed pleased. “It’s good to see you already making friends. Do you enjoy reading?”

Arianna nodded, feeling a bit self-conscious. “I know I have other duties to attend to, though.”

Niall chuckled. “You just arrived after a long journey. And, as I understand it, you suffered quite an ordeal prior.” His gaze traveled to her covered wrists and Arianna had to resist the urge to hide them beneath the table. “Rest assured, you have nothing you’re obligated to attend to so soon.”

That took her by surprise. “You don’t need me?”

Meegan spoke, her voice far softer than Arianna thought it would be. “My dear, you’re our queen, of course we need you. What Lord Niall is trying to convey is that there’s no need to stress. You’re entitled to a book, a stroll, an entire decade to acclimate if you wish it.”

Niall nodded. “She’s right. It’s just as important for you to have a clear head.”

A decade? Did they just expect her to prop her feet up while the world suffered? What about peace? What about the humans and half-breeds who died of neglect every day?

Niall continued, oblivious to her inner turmoil. “This room is where we’ve met every week for the last few centuries. As the Regent, I’ve overseen a few major developments, but we’ve kept everything minimal and in working order in preparation for your arrival. You’re welcome to attend these meetings anytime you wish, and your input will be valued above all else.” Niall smiled at her. “I anticipate great changes in our future.”

She swallowed. “No pressure.”

His eyes widened. “None at all, My Lady. I simply mean things have been stagnant in recent years and it will be nice to finally have something more to discuss than numbers and parties.” His gaze darkened and something in the pit of her stomach clenched. “As such, I think it’s time we discuss a very important detail.”

Anxiety trickled through her. She’d been hoping to speak with him privately, not in front of a group that would judge her as she rejected the one prophesied to be her mate. Arianna braced herself.

“We need to arrange the welcome ball.”

Her jaw fell slack as Declan nodded his agreement. “The citizens are tearing apart the hedges hoping to catch a glimpse of their queen. I’d like to stop ordering them fixed every five minutes.”

“Not to mention the security issues it’s bringing about,” Meegan added. “It’s difficult to want to punish those who simply wish to pay tribute.” Her eyes met Arianna’s. “I can’t say I blame them.”

“What about the coronation,” Felic asked. “There should be a ball for that as well.”

“Yes, and afterward, we’ll travel from nation to nation with a—”

“Have you not seen the riots already forming?” Meegan interrupted. “We can’t risk taking her out in public yet.”

“She needs to be seen by the people.”

“I will not risk our queen’s life just so they can see her.”

Felic raised his hand. “Are we paying for both through the royal coffers or by other means?”

They argued back and forth, making decisions for her without so much as glancing her way. One spoke of safety, another of presentation. It wasn’t until they mentioned who would meet her at the end of the coronation’s procession that their tones turned hushed.

Niall cleared his throat. “The plan was not to overwhelm our new queen today.” The council members snapped their mouths closed and a few ducked their heads in a sheepish manner. “Forgive them; again, this is all a bit exciting for us. How about we simply start with the welcome ball?”

“Will the High Lords attend?” Arianna asked, wondering if she’d have to face her father again so soon.

Niall shook his head. “They’ll send their representatives.”