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“What is it?” she asked.

He lowered his head. “I don’t feel worthy to ask anything of you.”

“Eoghan.” He looked up when she said his name. “Please, tell me what you need.” He’d never asked her for anything. Not once.

He averted his gaze. “I have a family back home,” he began, but cut himself off.

Rion cut in. “You’re overdue for your leave.”

Arianna felt guilt flood through her. She’d never asked about his family or his life. She’d never had the opportunity. Until recently, it always felt like they were surviving from one day to the next on borrowed time.

“Go home,” Arianna said, even as her heart ached with the command. “Go be with your family.”

Eoghan bowed his head low. “It has been an absolute honor to serve you, my queen.” Her heart swelled. He’d been the first to know her secret, aside from Rion. He’d protected her and stood by her side. But it was time for him to move on. At least for now.

“My wife is expecting our third child. She said she’d like to meet you someday.”

Arianna fought the rising emotion. “It’s a promise. I’ll visit and you can show me all around Nàdiar.” He bowed his head again, but Arianna threw her arms around Eoghan’s neck. He stilled, unsure, then finally patted her shoulder.

“Thank you for everything,” she whispered and pulled back.

“Of course, and I swear to keep them safe.”

“Send word when you arrive in Levea.”

He nodded and Arianna watched him walk away and sit with a group of warriors she’d assigned to join him. She’d trust no one but her father’s best.

Arianna turned to her mate who had gone stiff. She took his hand and he pulled her close. They stood there for several moments, watching Zylah write things down while others did her bidding.

“You’ve already changed their lives.”

“I hope I can change a lot more.” Then Arianna smiled despite the long night. Because this was why she had come. This was the difference she wanted to make. This was worth everything.

Chapter Twenty-nine

Arianna

Arianna and Rion arrived at breakfast the next morning to find Eoghan and the slaves already gone. She wasn’t surprised. He’d informed her they’d be leaving before sunrise to avoid confrontation, but her heart still ached. She’d only known Eoghan a short while, yet it felt like a lifetime. It would be strange to not have him watching over her.

Arianna glanced at her sister who had been strangely quiet all morning. Ellie nudged the food on her plate, her mind clearly somewhere else.

“How did you know about the slaves?” Arianna asked. Last night, her sister had appeared out of nowhere. Arianna hadn’t questioned it at the time, but now she wondered how long Ellie had known. And if it was the reason she always looked so exhausted.

Ellie pushed over a piece of fruit, watching it roll through the syrup. “I just found proof last night.”

“What do you mean, you found proof?” Arianna pressed.

Ellie side-eyed her, then glanced around the crowded room as if someone might overhear. Arianna almost preferred a late breakfast if only for the privacy it afforded. “You know how.”

“Ellie,” Arianna hissed. “You can’t just go around doing that here. You don’t know what these people might do.”

Ellie straightened in her chair. “They were hiding slaves and I think they’re hiding a lot more. Last night just proves you don’t know who you can trust, and that leaves us at a disadvantage. We need to learn more about them by whatever means necessary.”

Rion spoke up, his voice cautious. “There could be consequences if you’re caught.” His tone didn’t exactly sound disapproving.

“And there could be consequences if I stop.” She waved her arms. “They’ve had centuries to put their plans in place and I’m not just going to sit around and let them use my sister.”

“What else did you find?” Talon asked. Arianna threw her crumpled napkin at him, but found herself leaning forward to listen. Arianna knew her sister wouldn’t stop no matter how much she complained, so listening was her only option.