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Rion looked off into the garden, studying things Arianna couldn’t discern. His voice was soft when he spoke again. “Some days I cared more than others. There were times when I ripped warriors from their tents and tore their bodies apart for what they were doing. Other days,” he sighed. “Other days I kept walking, convinced nothing I did would ever change the atrocities around me. There were times I passed a slave that had been beaten and I killed the one responsible. Other times, I turned away.” Rion scrunched his brow. “I was tired. Tired of trying and failing.”

“You are a Lord of Brónach.”

Rion chuckled, but his face looked pained, full of shameful memories. “I am The Demon first and foremost. I have no more claim to the throne than the slaves working the fields.”

Zylah grimaced. “I don’t know whether to hate you or be grateful for what you did.”

“Hate me,” Rion said without hesitation. Arianna’s heart clenched. “The little good I might have done doesn’t compare to the atrocities I’ve committed and those I ignored.”

Zylah inclined her head toward Arianna. “She doesn’t hate you.”

Rion looked at his mate and something in Arianna cracked as she realized the words he wanted to voice but didn’t.

She should.

Chapter Thirty-two

Arianna

Arianna wore dark colors today. A tunic and pants that breathed easily and allowed her to move unhindered. She slid knives into her boots and buckled leather straps around her waist that held a few more. She wasn’t walking into that room to bring peace today.

Rion looked at her with approval. He knew her plans. This was her ultimatum. She would lay everything out today and if they disagreed, then she’d move on, start somewhere new, and form her own council. She’d free those across the continent one at a time if that’s what it took, and if the council stood in her way . . . well, she’d face that possibility when it arose.

Arianna held her head high as she marched down the halls. She’d skipped breakfast, her stomach too knotted to eat anything, and she had already informed Ellie they wouldn’t be practicing their dancing that morning. She needed all the rest she could get. She needed her mind clear and focused.

Rion marched at her side and the sight of them drew the concerned gazes of everyone they passed. Talon stood at the council doors and nodded at their approach. He joined the procession into the council room. Everyone was already there, waiting for them, just as she’d planned.

Niall stood from his chair, eyes surveying her face, then her clothes and weapons. The council wasn’t armed and neither was Niall, but she didn’t care. Not today. Let them be uncomfortable. Let them bristle against her aggression. These were Fae willing to imprison children and she was about to tear their comfortable world apart brick by brick.

Niall’s voice was steady when he spoke. “Should I call for chairs for your companions?”

“We’ll stand,” Rion said, moving toward one of the back walls. Talon joined him. Both males stood with their feet wide, but Arianna could scent their magic in the air around her. They were ready to intervene should things go awry. She didn’t think she was safe for a moment, not with the things she wanted to implement. The changes she sought would dramatically unroot their entire future. She expected resistance and had prepared for it.

Everyone’s hearts beat just a little too fast.

Niall nodded. “Then let’s begin.” He pulled a chair out for her and Arianna sat before the council. “First,” Niall began. “I want to assure you that we’ve been working hard to meet your demands.” Niall straightened the papers in his hands. “I’ve sent word to the High Lords that every child under the age of sixteen is to be freed from slavery immediately.”

That stopped her. “Across the continent?” Her voice was barely audible.

Niall nodded. “I didn’t see any reason to wait until this meeting as I was certain it would be something you wanted. I had hoped the action might show how serious we are about meeting your demands.” He separated a few pages from the stack before him and slid them toward her. “This details that children are an exception to slavery. It also states that mothers are to be freed for five years after giving birth in order to raise their children, and infants aren’t to be taken from their mothers for any reason.”

“Now,” Declan said, “know that this means some mothers are going to be homeless. Not everyone will care for a slave out of the kindness of their hearts.”

Niall nodded again. “So we’ve also outlined safehouses where refugees can gather for now. Lady Evelyn offered Móirín as sanctuary and we’ve also made plans to expand the town below. We anticipate hostility, but with any luck we’ll at least begin changing a few lives.”

Words were foreign things lost on her tongue. Her mouth gaped. She tried to speak, failed, and swallowed once before trying again. “This is . . .”

“You’re pleased?” Niall appeared hopeful.

She glanced around the room at the faces studying her, waiting for her approval. “This is so much more than I’d hoped for.” This was it. It was starting. Today, there would be children freed from their shackles. Today, mothers would rock their babies without chains. Today was a day for new beginnings.

Niall beamed. “I’m so happy you’re pleased. We’ve been speaking at length with your advisor Zylah and Lady Evelyn, and we have a list of things that need your approval for the former slaves throughout the city. You’ve given them freedom, but some don’t wish to leave, as I’m sure you’ve been told.” Arianna nodded. “As of today, slavery within Ruadhán is forbidden, and those who participate in it will be exiled and severely punished. We’re giving them a one-week grace period to ensure the information is received. Those who don’t wish to comply will be escorted back to their homelands, but their former slaves will remain here, just as you wished.”

Niall only paused a moment before continuing. “We’ve implemented a system similar to Levea where each slave will be offered a sum for their past service. Beyond that, they’ll be allowed to choose their profession and will receive a fair wage for their work.”

Arianna scanned the document. She’d have to read through it later, just to ensure everything was detailed the way she wanted. “And their hours will be restricted to a reasonable level?” There wasn’t much use in wages if they never got time to spend it.

Niall hesitated. “Not yet, but we can add it in,” he said quickly. “We’ll make amendments as you see fit, but don’t feel rushed. I’m already having notices posted around the city and surrounding towns.”