Page 87

“What’s so funny?” Arianna growled at her sister.

Ellie shook her head but her gaze drifted toward the council members. They’d visibly paled and shrank back looking as though they’d seen a ghost. Or the destruction of their perfectly crafted plans.

“I think that ought to cover it for one day,” Ellie said. She marched around the ice wall, ignoring Arianna’s glaring expression. Rion paused, wary as Ellie motioned for Kirian to follow her. Then the pair ascended the stairs, right past those still gaping at the wall Arianna had formed in the middle of the training yard.

Chapter Thirty

Arianna

“Chocolate or vanilla?”

Arianna pinned Rion with a stare. “You should already know the answer to that one.”

He smirked. “Just confirming in case you have a secret favorite.”

“What about you?” Rion moved his knight and Arianna made a face. She had no hope of beating him. None whatsoever.

“Vanilla, if I had to choose between the two, but I prefer strawberry over anything.”

“It’s heresy to prefer anything over chocolate.”

Rion placed a hand over his heart. “Then consider me a heretic.”

Arianna laughed and moved a pawn. After a quick shower, they had escaped to the library where Rion had bombarded her with a sea of questions.

And they’d talked for what seemed like hours. He knew what her favorite games had been as a child, what books she preferred, the season she loved most, and her favorite meals.

He’d had to answer all the same questions, of course. Unsurprisingly, he’d been playing chess since he was old enough to comprehend the pieces. His mother had taught all her children. He enjoyed fall when the trees and ground were littered with color. And roasted chicken was his absolute favorite if prepared correctly. Arianna tucked the information away, determined to have the cooks make something soon. Or perhaps she could sneak into the kitchens herself.

Their light conversation cooled Arianna’s temper and though she still wanted to scream at her sister, she also understood.

Ellie had attacked Rion to show Niall and the council that Arianna wasn’t to be trifled with. She’d done her a favor, really, but that didn’t mean Arianna was ready to forgive her. Maybe tomorrow. By breakfast she’d see her sister’s smiling face and have no choice but to smile back.

Arianna huffed, studying the board. “Music,” she said, moving another piece. “Tell me about your favorite music.”

Rion started to respond but the entrance doors opened a second later and they both stiffened. Arianna groaned. She just wanted one evening. One evening with her mate where she could pretend no one else existed. Especially a certain blond male who had pushed Ellie into action.

But despite hoping maybe he had another reason for coming to the library, Niall’s footsteps paused on the third floor and headed right for them.

Rion eyed her and something in his gaze told Arianna he’d intervene if she wanted him to. She just slowly shook her head. The only reason she was still in the city was the sliver of hope that Niall might actually help her free the slaves across the continent.

She massaged her temple. Though this was also the same male who had walked by a new mother in chains without sparing her a second glance.

Niall prowled down the aisle at a snail’s pace, pretending to study the books as if he hadn’t spent five hundred years in this library. Rion studied Arianna’s face, awaiting the command.

Niall finally stopped before them but she refused to look up. In fact, she didn’t even acknowledge his presence. Childish? Maybe, but she didn’t care. He leaned against the thick bookshelf and studied the game board.

Several tense seconds passed.

No one moved.

“Do you play?” he asked with a strained tone.

Arianna finally moved a piece, knowing full well that Rion would take it. “Not well,” she admitted.

Niall grimaced when Rion stole the piece she’d moved. “Perhaps your mate should take it easy on you.” Mate. It was the first time anyone here had called him that. They were all still clinging to the pseudo bond theory.

“If I do, she’ll never learn.” Arianna studied Rion. He sat straight now, weight forward on his legs as if he expected to spring up any moment. His arms lightly rested on the table, hands flexing slightly. Arianna felt his magic stir around her legs, but his eyes remained on the board.