Alec’s deep voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. She swore she was going to vomit again. “Now, pledge yourselves by your Fae honor, and we can move on with learning everything we need to know to win this war.”
Alec offered her a slight bow, this one a bit lower than the first, but Arianna wasn’t here to force a High Lord to his knees. She needed these people to trust her, not hate her.
The first began approaching, but Arianna raised her hand. “Verbally is fine, I think we’ve all had enough of bowing for a lifetime.”
“As you wish.”
They pledged themselves one at a time, reciting the same words their ancestors had done in ages past. Even Raevina joined in, though the female dropped to one knee with her companions at her side. Arianna had seen the way Cahira’s eyes had glistened upon seeing Raevina alive and unharmed.
The last male was the same one that had caught The Dem—Rion’s attention. The room turned to face him slowly, not because of who he was, but because of the hesitation. His jaw worked as he glanced between his High Lord and Arianna.
“Liam,” Alec said, signaling that it was his turn, even though it was obvious.
The male lowered his head and shook it slightly. “I’m sorry, but I cannot pledge myself to an unknown queen.”
The room fell painfully silent. Arianna noted the way The Demon’s heart rate spiked and his slight step forward. Would he stop her if she tried to attack him? Would he stop his brother?
“And why not?” she asked, drawing everyone’s attention. She nodded toward the bracelet. “You were willing to put on the iron.” Which clearly meant he wasn’t working for Pádraigín.
“Because I have nothing to hide, but I took a vow to my High Lord and this land. I swore to protect him, this country, and our people. I swore to uphold all our laws and ensure justice was served. How then, with that vow, can I again pledge myself to a queen I know nothing about? How can I be certain I’ll be able to uphold both vows in the presence of the gods?”
The room watched, pensive and silent. Judging from Liam’s uniform and the way Alec had addressed him, this male was clearly someone of importance. He wasn’t defying her because he refused to follow her; he was denying her because he didn’t know anything about her. Because Arianna needed to prove herself in the wake of the imminent threat.
“You said you’d pledged yourself to the people of Brónach and to your High Lord. Does that mean you will fight to defend them against any enemy?”
“With my last breath,” Liam said.
“Then keep your current vows, they are good enough for me.”
The entire room seemed to loose a collective breath.
Alec finally seated himself. Suddenly he looked ten years younger, as though years of stress had melted from his shoulders. He waved one arm and someone ran to the doors. Servants filed in, tidying up the place without command. The bodies were dragged from the room, the blood cleaned up with white clothes that were quickly dyed crimson. Food plates were replaced and drinks served anew.
“Now,” Alec said, inviting her to sit next to him. “Tell us everything you know.”
She did, and her companions joined in, detailing the lies and deceit. The way Vairik had corrupted their entire land. The actions of the previous Divine and what she’d done in her grief. They told him about Connall and The Weavers and The Guardians, too. The High Lord of Brónach listened intently, only asking questions when he sought clarity.
Everyone had slowly stopped eating to absorb the information.
Alec clasped his fingers, clearly running scenarios through his head. Arianna wondered if Sive would be able to help the male sort through fact from fiction.
After a moment of silence, Rion asked, “Why wasn’t our mother with you?”
Alec sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I had to come back.” He almost looked ashamed. “She wanted to stay. I left my guards with her, but,” he looked back up at Rion and Saoirse. “You both know how stubborn she can be.”
Arianna wondered what else Eimear might be able to tell them when she woke. The female carried her own story, though many parts of that story would likely remain locked in the High Lady’s heart for eternity. Just like with Ellie.
Arianna looked at Rion, really studying him. They’d been right. Everything Talon and the others had told her was true, and she’d—she’d tried to kill him. Her mate. But—why didn’t she remember him? Was Vairik still in her head? Were the shadows summoning a headache even now due to the remnants of that vile male’s magic? Arianna pressed two fingers to the side of her temple.
“Arianna?” Talon’s voice. She glanced up and noticed that many were staring. She winced, feeling the weight of the last few days washing through her.
“I think that’s enough,” Alec declared, rising. “You need rest. We can pick up tomorrow or the day after. I’ll have scouts posted on both sides of the mountain. If Vairik is preparing an army, we’ll know.”
“Hopefully,” Saoirse added.
Everyone stood slowly. A half-breed approached. “We have your rooms prepared, if you’d like to follow me?” Her smile was kind, genuine. And she looked … happy. Arianna had previously thought the half-breeds nothing more than captives. Had anger blinded her? But how could anyone be happy stuck in the same position they’d occupied while in chains? Unless she’d assumed that, too.
Sleep. She needed sleep. She’d evaluate everything tomorrow with a clearer head.
