Arianna’s attention snagged on the intricate carvings of vines in the marble. She marveled at how accurate Niall’s vision had been all those weeks ago in one of Ruadhán’s gardens. He’d gotten every detail right. Her gaze moved straight, wondering if she’d ever see Eimear sitting on the throne again. Perhaps she’d even see—splitting pain sent her staggering. Arianna simultaneously gripped her head and reached out to steady herself. A strong hand caught her flailing arm, pulling her upright. She yanked away from The Demon’s grip, stumbling again, but he caught her wrist this time. That painful current pulsed down her arm.
“Let me go,” she demanded, her voice echoing throughout the hall. She hadn’t meant to shout, but her head—gods above,her head.
“I’ve got her.” Zylah. Arianna allowed the half-breed to guide her toward one of the massive pillars. She slid to the floor, then Zylah began drawing runes over her back. Arianna sighed in relief at the cold magic trickling down her spine. Her vision cleared, and the pain dissipated, allowing her to absorb her surroundings once again.
The Demon stood just a few feet away, staring down, helpless. Anger pulsed through her and she clenched her jaw, turning toward the door on the other end of the hall. Just a few more feet and she’d be rid of him.
Arianna forced herself to stand. They continued straight and entered the next room. A sitting room of some kind. She ignored it and kept moving, anticipation building in her core.
The next set of heavy doors swung open, and they finally entered the throne room. A large chair rested at the rear with three steps leading up to the platform. An intricately decorated table sat off to the right side with seven chairs pushed neatly underneath. A floral pattern had been carved into this one too, just like everything else in the palace. Arianna couldn’t imaginethe amount of hours that had taken. She thought back to Levea for a moment. There’d been patterns carved throughout her home city as well. Only years of peace could have allowed the time for such beauty. She hoped to give the people of the next generation that same kind of time. Maybe it was the way the Fae of old had coped with the shadows that had haunted them back then.
Arianna searched for Alec or Saoirse. Neither were present, though that didn’t come as much of a surprise. She was certain the two were still settling Eimear into the infirmary. Once Ellie arrived, Arianna would be at her sister’s side, ensuring all her needs were met. She turned back toward the door, chewing her lip. She prayed the Dark Fae hadn’t entered the mountains. She hoped Gavin hadn’t been forced to fight and defend his mate. Guilt gnawed through her now, but sending the two away had been their only option. Protecting Ellie in the middle of a blood bath simply wasn’t plausible.
Servants filed in one at a time, each carrying something new. Some had trays full of food, while others carried drinks. She noted a few towels as well. Arianna cringed as she looked herself over. She definitely needed a bath. But she needed safety first. She deserved that, as did everyone else who’d run to this city for protection.
“The High Lord will be here in a moment,” a male announced. He stood straight, with his arms folded behind his back. He was immaculately dressed, his hair slicked back. One stray dark strand fought for freedom, hanging over the male’s forehead in defiance. “He sent refreshments if you wish to partake while you wait.”
Arianna stared at the table, but remained where she was. Everyone did the same. The male merely bowed his head slightly and stepped back toward the throne. Arianna resisted the overwhelming urge to pace. Her fingers played with the loosefabric of her pants, then found a tear in the bottom of her shirt. She glanced over to find The Demon watching her yet again. Why was he always looking at her? Why couldn’t she have a single moment—
The door to her left opened and Arianna turned, expecting to find the High Lord, but instead a male with dark skin and long locs strolled through, his eyes carefully scanning the crowd. Arianna’s breath hitched as she took him in. He appeared nearly the same as the last time she’d seen him. Dressed for battle, weapons at his sides, though they carried a few more jewels here.
That dark gaze finally landed on her and paused. His lips parted, and the relief on his face was nearly palpable.
“Eoghan,” Arianna breathed. A smile broke across his face unbidden. He strolled toward her, hands at his sides, but before he could bow, Arianna wrapped her arms around the male’s neck and pulled him close. He hesitated, just as he’d done last time, and tentatively wrapped one arm around her upper back. When she pulled away, Arianna caught him glancing toward The Demon. She frowned, but he quickly turned back, his expression shifting from temporary fear to absolute relief.
“My queen,” he murmured and knelt before her, bowing his head.
“Stand,” Arianna said. He did. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I work in the palace now.”
She raised a brow. “Really?”
“With a new youngling, my wife appreciates me home every night.”
Arianna’s smile broadened. His wife. His youngling—or younglings if she remembered right. They’d relieved Eoghan of his responsibilities on the field so he could care for his family.She hoped the same courtesy extended to everyone in Brónach, regardless of status.
“I’m sure she does.”
Eoghan’s smile faltered as he scanned her body. “Are you all right? Do you need anything? I can escort you to your appointed room if you wish to freshen up.”
Arianna shook her head. “I need to see the High Lord first.”
“He might be awhile. I saw him carrying Lady Eimear in.” He said Eimear’s name with such reverence. Arianna wondered if the two had ever been close.
“It’s important.”
He nodded, not pushing the issue further. Eoghan turned to The Demon next and bowed low at the waist. “My Lord, it’s good to have you back.”
“Liar.” Eoghan stiffened, but there was a slight smile to Rion’s voice even if he didn’t really show it. “It’s good to be back.”
Eoghan stood slowly, staring at The Demon and the space that separated him and Arianna. Whatever questions he might have had, the male didn’t voice.
Minutes later, the High Lord, Alec, strolled through the same doors Eoghan had just appeared through. Many bent to kneel, but Alec flicked his wrist as though exhausted. “Rise.” She half expected Alec to take a seat on his throne, but the male merely stood before the platform stairs, turning to stare at the lot of them.
“Eimear is stable,” he said by way of greeting. “The healers are caring for her.”
Arianna’s shoulders relaxed. The Demon loosed a long breath. She wondered if he’d only stayed for her sake. She didn’t know why he bothered.
