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Rion winced. “Wonderful.”

She tilted her head. “Do you know how to dance?”

He shook his head. “I’m afraid I was already an outcast before that sort of training began.” Right.

“I guess we better find my sister, then. We have a lot of work to do.”

Chapter Twenty-three

Talon

Movement drew his attention and Talon halted at the edge of the gardens. He studied the entrance to the hedge maze, swearing he’d seen someone or something enter, then disappear.

Talon crossed the space and angled himself on the other side.

Nothing.

Either he was losing his mind or someone had just been standing there. He might have chalked it up to his eyes playing tricks on him, but it had happened too often now to be mere coincidence.

On their first night in the manor, he’d seen a shadow pass down the hall from his room, but when he’d followed it to investigate, he’d found nothing. Not even a lingering scent.

The second time, he’d been taking a stroll to the library. The doors had opened of their own accord. No one had come in or out, but he could have sworn he heard feet hitting the marble floor as someone ran in the opposite direction.

He didn’t believe in ghosts and even Ellie had noticed similar oddities. The knowledge raised the hairs on the backs of his arms.

Talon marched out of the maze and further down the stone path but instead of a shadow or explanation, Talon found Niall lingering at the edge of the gardens.

His hand fell away from a wisteria blossom as he turned to acknowledge Talon’s presence. “May we speak?” Talon’s jaw clenched but he nodded.

The son of the High Lord of Pádraigín. Talon hadn’t cared for the male from the first moment he saw him. Something about his aura whispered of false pretenses and secrets. If a Fae could lie, Talon was certain this male had found a way to do it.

“As you wish,” Talon said, bowing his head slightly. He couldn’t show any indication of dislike or distrust. Because this male was the future King of Alastríona. He was the one Talon would serve beneath for the rest of his life. That was, if Arianna chose to marry him. Talon was certain Rion’s presence was an unexpected addition to his plans.

“You and our queen are very close,” Niall stated. Talon remained still, even as Niall’s gray eyes scanned his body. “I’d even venture to say you love her.” Talon inwardly cursed but kept his expression neutral. “It’s all right, you know. It’s quite normal to fall for our childhood friends. They’re the first ones we love outside of our family. They’re easy to love. Comfortable, even.”

Talon wasn’t sure how to respond so he kept his mouth closed. Niall paced the garden. “Did she ever return your affections?"

Talon thought back to that day so long ago. About how her mouth had felt against his and the way his hands had been shaking. Niall might as well have shoved a knife through his heart. “It was a long time ago and she’s found her mate.”

“That remains to be seen.”

Talon hadn’t meant to overhear their conversation, but it wasn’t as though he was far enough away to avoid it. A pseudo bond, Niall had called it. “You truly believe the bond isn’t legitimate?”

“There’s a bond. One doesn’t experience that much trauma without forming one. But I don’t believe it’s the bond our young queen hopes it is.” Niall studied the garden for a moment. “I fear for her. Tell me honestly, do you trust the male?”

Trust was a strong word, but he’d seen the way Rion reacted to Arianna and how she’d suffered without him. “I trust him not to hurt her.”

“I don’t,” Niall said. “I think she’s coaxed a tiger into a pretty cage, fed him delicious food, made him a comfortable bed, and thinks her kindness means he won’t turn on her. But eventually the tiger always grows bored. He’ll begin pacing that pretty cage before he finally rips it open.” Niall turned to face Talon. “I don’t want her caught in the middle when that happens.”

“Mates can’t hurt one another.”

“And if he isn’t her mate?”

“Are you asking me something?” Talon clenched his fists before remembering himself. He wouldn’t hurt Arianna, and Rion’s absence would do just that.

“I want us to be allies.” Niall closed the space between them and rested a light hand on Talon’s shoulder. It felt as though wind ripped from Niall’s fingertips, and one small movement would have it diving into Talon’s body to tear him apart from the inside out. “I want someone watching them. And I want to know if he starts pacing the cage.”

Talon only nodded. He was already watching. Every second they spent with one another, he watched. Part of it killed him, but Talon had seen The Demon out of control before. He’d witnessed the blood lust, fought against the rage in his eyes.