“My visions were quite … particular while I was out. I’ve seen a lot.” Rion didn’t know whether to be relieved or disgusted she had to witness any bloodshed by his hands. “I know you blame yourself, but this is another burden you don’t need to carry.” That smile returned to her face. “You looked just like your father as a teen.” She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. “I saw you lounging in a chair, napping from the looks of it, though I’m surprised Caol would have allowed such a thing.” Her smile faded. “That was the day Vairik found you.”
Rion tried to recall the moment; it had been nearly drowned from his memories with everything that had followed. His brow furrowed. “That was before I’d even ventured into the city.”
Eimear nodded. “The Fae who attacked you and the other younglings did so at Vairik’s command.” She spread her fingers over the desk. “They didn’t die simply because you wanted to attend a festival.”
Rion’s fingers twitched, that guilt washing through him all over again. “And you’re telling me Caol—” He couldn’t even finish that sentence.
“Caol fought Vairik’s influence every second, but ultimately, Vairik was stronger.”
Silence filled the space as he—no, not just him—both he and Saoirse struggled to absorb the new information. To accept it. The male Saoirse had looked up to for so long hadn’t betrayed her. Ultimately, he hadn’t betrayed Rion, either. Rion saw Saoirse swipe at her face, but his sister turned from his line of sight.
“You can come out now,” Eimear said. Both Rion and Saoirse glanced around, half expecting someone to materialize from thin air. Another moment passed, then Alec appeared in the doorway. His face was mostly stoic, but even he couldn’t hide the emotions swimming in his dark eyes.
“Alec?” Saoirse asked, glancing between him and Rion.
Alec stared at their mother. “Sorry, I didn’t mean—”
“I’m glad you’re here,” Eimear cut him off. “Sit, all of you.” She gestured toward the plush armchairs. Two were already stationed before their father’s old desk. Eimear left her mate’s chair and moved for another armchair in a corner, but Saoirse beat her to it, carrying it across the room before the High Lady could even try.
Eimear sat first, her chair positioned right in front of the desk. She curled her bare feet into the cushions and Alec grabbed a small blanket and draped it over his mother’s knees. He sat in the seat beside her. Saoirse sat across from their mother. The two males eyed one another.
“Sit,” Eimear commanded again. Rion sighed and obeyed, his gaze never leaving Alec’s. He doubted his brother would strike out in their mother’s presence, but this very room was the foundation of the tension that had poisoned their relationship over the years. Alec hadn’t looked surprised to walk into the room whatsoever, which meant the male likely spent a great deal of time contemplating their father’s death.
Uncomfortable silence blanketed the space. Rion could have sworn their father’s ghost bore down on them, watching every movement, every breath.
Alec was the first to shift, clearly uncomfortable with the present situation. If Rion didn’t know any better, he’d say their mother enjoyed her children’s discomfort a bit.
“I’m going to speak plainly and I need you all to listen. War is coming.” They sat straighter, eyes locked on their mother. “You already know this, but I’ve seen what we’re to face …” she trailed off. “And at present, I don’t see a future beyond it.” Rion gaped. “This could very well be the end of our race as we know it.”
Silence permeated the space.
“So what do we do then?” Saoirse asked. Rion could see the hope dimming in her eyes.
“We fight. We pray. And we hope The Divine can do something I’m unable to foresee. This stays between us. I’m telling you three because you are my younglings and—” She glanced between Alec and Rion. “Because I need you two to work together.” Alec had gone very, very still. “There will come a moment,” Eimear said. “When the life of one of you will hang in the balance. It’s important you remember where your anger should be directed.” Eimear looked up at her eldest child. “You already know the truth behind what happened to your father. Take time to process it, but don’t point that anger in the wrong direction any longer. Your brother was never meant to be hated or feared.”
Alec’s jaw clenched, anger flashing behind his eyes. “So you want me to bow to him? Call him king?”
“No,” Rion interrupted before his mother could answer. “Vairik or no, I have no right to be called such. I don’t want anyone, least of all you, bowing to someone like me.”
Alec’s lips were set in a grim line. “What then?”
Eimear spoke again, her voice so, so calm. “I’m not asking for forgiveness or reconciliation. I’m simply asking you to put your knowledge, resources, and experiences together for the sake of our continent and people. Because if you don’t, if you let anger blind you, then you might as well hand us to Vairik yourselves.”
Alec paled.
Saoirse clasped her hands together. “Are you trying to tell us that the fate of this world hinges on these two liking one another?”
“I’m telling you that working together as allies is more important than past conflicts, and that if those in power can’t look past their differences, then ultimately, nothing we do will matter.”
“What about him and Arianna, then?” Rion flinched at her name and the implication of Saoirse’s words.
Eimear gave her daughter a small smile. “While Vairik’s influence has caused a sadness, Arianna will not stand by while her people are killed. She will work with us, even him, if it means saving this continent.”
“You’re sure?” Rion asked, doubt flooding through his body.
“I’m sure. And in light of the grim future, I think some secrets can be shared tonight, wouldn’t you agree, Alec?” They all turned to him and for a split second, real fear shone in Alec’s dark eyes. Alec’s lips parted and he swallowed hard. “This room is safe,” Eimear said. “No one will overhear us.”
“What’s wrong?” Saoirse asked, concern etched into her features. “Did something happen?”
