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His laugh was gruff and more to himself. “So truly humble. Such a rare and refreshing trait among the Fae.” He turned to face her. “Perhaps you’ll bring peace after all.”
It was her turn to look away. “That’s what everyone keeps saying.”
He cocked his head. “And yet it weighs on you.”
She chewed her lip. “It’s not exactly an easy thing to ask of someone.”
A breathless laugh. “It most certainly isn’t, but given time, opportunity, and patience, I believe you just might be able to accomplish it.”
“You don’t know me; what makes you think so?”
“I haven’t seen Meegan with that look on her face since her last grandchildren were born, and they’re a century old.” Niall let the small creature crawl onto his finger. “She’s been through many hardships that have hardened her heart. Yet in that room, in a single moment, you gave her the one thing we all desperately crave.”
“What’s that?”
“Hope.”
Hope. She was a child compared to them. Her body was struggling with her animal shift and yet Niall claimed she could bring them hope.
Niall. She risked another glance at him and her cheeks heated when he caught her staring.
“You’re still troubled.”
“I just,” she steadied herself. She might not get another opportunity like this. “You’re the son of the High Lord of Pádraigín.”
“Yes?”
“That means we’re meant to be—” She couldn’t finish her sentence, but Niall only chuckled. Arianna looked into his eyes. Deep. Ancient with varying hues of grey. Now that she was closer, Arianna could see the touches of blue within the iris.
“I wasn’t going to broach that topic.”
She lifted her brows. “Why not?” She hadn’t stopped thinking about it.
“Because there’s no rush. You’re young and you have much to adjust to. Why would I put another burden on your shoulders?”
Arianna lowered her voice. “Because I already have a mate.”
His jaw ticked, but she didn’t scent any anger. Weren’t males supposed to be more territorial than this, or was it because a bond hadn’t presented itself? Could a Fae have two mates, and if so, how would Rion handle such a complex situation?
He leaned against the stone railing. “The council has been in an uproar about that.”
“But you don’t seem bothered.”
He gave her a half-hearted smile. “I’ll admit, it was disappointing to find you already with a male, but I’m not angry.”
She quirked a brow. “You discover your prophesied mate belongs to another and you aren’t angry?”
“I’m not certain you’ll like hearing the truth.”
She straightened, her nerves suddenly on edge. “I want to hear it anyway.” She needed to know if the council was a threat to Rion. And if so, then they needed to leave. What if they were plotting something against him? If the council removed Rion from the picture then—
“I have multiple lovers, so the knowledge that another male is warming your bed doesn’t bother me in the slightest.” Arianna didn’t move. “As far as the bond goes, the council and I have discussed it at length and believe you’re experiencing a rare phenomenon we call a pseudo bond.” Her heart pounded harder and a sharp pain lanced through her core at the mere thought.
“It’s only been recorded a few times in our history. The bond forms under great stress and serves as a means to protect against unknown threats.” His gaze darted to her wrists, not for the first time. “And I imagine you went through a great deal of stress if rumors are to be believed.”
She clenched her fists, anger rising. “It is not a pseudo bond.”
Niall hung his head. “I don’t want us to be enemies, My Lady. You asked for honesty and I gave it.”
