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She chewed her lip. “You’re an artist, what would you dress me in?”
Rion raised a brow. “You want me to choose?”
“I just—” Gods, why was this so hard?
Rion pushed off from the wall and gently guided her toward the rear of the closet. “I’d start with something you’re comfortable in, and clearly that isn’t a dress.”
“But they have expectations.”
“You think I care about others’ expectations?”
She grinned, unable to hold it back. It reminded her of a time when she’d been concerned about his reputation. “No, I guess you wouldn’t.”
“Then you shouldn’t either.”
Right, like that was possible. She was only meeting the most influential group of Fae on the entire continent.
Arianna eventually pulled a pair of black slacks from a shelf. The material unfolded like liquid in her hands, the fabric light and flowing. She studied the shirts and reached for a long sleeved, light blue top with cream colored buttons.
Simple and something she could move in.
Safe. Safe. Safe, she chanted to herself. She wouldn’t need to fight. Still, it didn’t stop Arianna from grabbing a few knives.
She found a matching belt and eyed the jewelry before settling on a pair of silver teardrop earrings and the necklace Myrna had gifted her.
The items felt out of place in her hands. So new and such a waste when there were children outside with barely enough food to fill their stomachs.
But that’s exactly why she was here. To make a difference. It’s why she cared about the council’s opinion of her at all. Because if she wanted to change the world on a grand scale, then she needed to impress the people with enough power to do it.
***
They missed breakfast again and Arianna was beginning to believe it was females who lacked any sort of self-control where their mates were concerned.
?o her growling stomach’s relief, Victoria met them in the hall and had the cooks warm a quick meal. Not long after, Gavin appeared in the doorway along with Talon, who surveyed the young male with a questioning gaze.
Arianna took a breath, wiped her hands on a napkin, then walked toward her friend with Rion in tow.
The males exchanged glances and Rion’s jaw ticked, but Arianna leaned up on her toes to kiss him.
Rion addressed Talon. “You’ll watch her?”
“With my life.”
Arianna looked between the pair. “I’m not helpless, you know.” The males smiled a bit, breaking the tension. Gavin didn’t move.
“I’ll see you after?” Rion asked.
She nodded, pressed her forehead to his again, then stepped away. Her heart tugged hard as he walked down the hall, but grains around her wrist told Arianna he wouldn’t be far. And he could sense her emotions down the bond. He’d be close by if anything happened.
“Morning,” Gavin offered.
“Good morning,” Arianna replied.
Talon continued his scrutiny. “Who’s this?”
Gavin extended his hand. “Gavin of Pádraigín. I’m Lord Niall’s assistant and here to escort Lady Arianna to the council meeting.”
“I have it covered,” Talon said.
