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Declan opened his mouth to speak, but she beat him to it. “Someone pulled a stunt last night that wasn’t appreciated.” Even if it had led to a rather enjoyable night.
She wanted to demand answers or hang the council over the edge of the city one by one until they gave up whoever had done such a thing.
Niall was the first to respond, his posture pensive. “What do you mean?” He looked her over, eyes roaming her body. “Were you injured?” She had hated the way his lips had grazed the back of her hand, even with the gloves. She knew he’d only done it as a means to rile Rion. Arianna still couldn’t believe her mate had remained so calm.
“No, I wasn’t injured and I don’t want to discuss it. Those responsible know what they did and should I find them,” she met their gazes one by one, “there will be consequences.”
Niall eyed the council and she wondered if there were any of the four he mistrusted or if it was all a show to throw the blame on someone else.
Niall cleared his throat. “We can persue—”
Arianna growled, her temper getting the better of her, and Niall snapped his mouth shut. “I cannot,” she emphasized, “discuss the details here if you wish for me to maintain my composure.”
He clasped and unclasped his hands. “Is it why you didn’t return to the ball last night?”
“Yes.”
“There were many who missed your company,” Felic said, trailing off when she pinned him with a glare.
“Maybe next time someone won’t target my mate while I’m otherwise occupied.” Arianna flashed her teeth. “Then I’ll be able to stay longer.”
The council was silent, eyes turning to Niall for assistance on how to best handle the situation. Maybe she should have just stayed in bed. The bond was chafing at her patience.
“Whatever happened,” Niall said. “You have my sincerest apologies. I’m certain none of us wanted you to miss the ball.” He looked her up and down again. “You’re certain you weren’t hurt?”
Arianna studied him, the way he sat in the chair, back relaxed and hands gently splayed upon the table. If he’d had any part in it, he certainly hid it well.
“I’m fine,” Arianna said again and some of the anger fell from her shoulders. Not one of them had reacted. No sideways glances, no shift in their posture. Maybe they hadn’t been the ones to orchestrate it. But if not them, then who?
She loosed a breath. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t accuse you.”
Niall offered her a weak smile. “My Lady, you are in a strange place full of strange Fae. I’d venture to say a little mistrust is healthy.”
Arianna studied their worn expressions and the hazy look in their eyes. She was certain more than one had probably stumbled their way in. “Is there a reason this wasn’t rescheduled?”
Niall followed her gaze and shrugged. “We meet every week, regardless of events.”
Arianna made a face. “Well, maybe that’s something else that needs to change.” For the first time, the council looked like they unanimously agreed with her.
Niall smiled again. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
They sat in silence for a time and Arianna wondered if they would dismiss early. The council didn’t appear as if they wanted to be here anyway.
“If no one has anything else to report, I’d like to propose an idea,” Niall said. He waited before continuing and turned in his chair to face her fully. “I’ve come to understand the slaves mean a great deal to you, so I’m certain at this point that the war refugees mean just as much.” Arianna nodded. “It might help some of them regain their sense of hope if they were to see you in person.”
Rion responded first. “I thought it was too dangerous to leave the royal city.”
Niall made a point of thinking. “It is, but I think in light of all the skirmishes, it would be good for her to be seen. Perhaps it might even quell some of the fighting. The simple truth of the matter is that many can’t afford to travel long distances, and many more are still recovering from the war. Therefore, they won’t be able to attend your coronation.
“With any luck, we’ll be able to start some positive rumors to counteract all the negative ones. We’ve been working with a few of the smaller neighboring villages. We’ve provided supplies for shelters and given them food. I’ve even formed a rather constructive relationship with one of the village heads, and she’s eager to meet with you.”
Arianna’s lips parted. The people. The masses. This is exactly what she wanted. To mingle and provide aid and come to know those she would eventually rule. “I thought Ruadhán didn’t interfere with the war.”
“In the war, no, but that doesn’t mean we’re heartless. There were many who needed homes and we provided them as best we could.”
Arianna nodded. Perhaps they could have done more, but at least they’d done something. She would see how far their generosity stretched when she laid eyes on the villages herself. “I’d like to help in any way I can.”
Niall beamed. “I know last night was . . . challenging,” he offered with a slight grimace. “But I’m scheduled to arrive tomorrow afternoon. Would you care to join me?”
