Page 111 of A Fate so Cruel

Garlands and streamers and flowers all along the railings, up the gutters, dangling from overhanging balconies. The chief designer had definitely spent some time in Nàdair. Rion would even venture to say the beauty rivaled that of his home city.

A few blocks later, Rion stood before the massive palace. Its towering four stories promised an abundance of wealth inside.

Wealth and greed.

He circled the outer perimeter. No fence separated the street from the lawn, only thick five foot-tall hedges that were immaculately maintained. Morning glories and wisteria grew in between, and the flowers were spread evenly as far as Rion’s eye could see.

He glanced up, counting the windows. Guards were stationed at regular intervals.

He peered over the hedges and into the yard only to find more guards, their hands lightly resting on their weapons as they watched civilians excitedly pointing from the street.

Rion rounded the back and lifted a brow at the large fountain spraying water into the air. That was new, as was the rear addition. It might actually be bigger than the one in Nàdair now. Saoirse would demand an expansion once she found out.

Rion thought back to the mission at hand. If they failed, this place could very well be the new capital of Brónach. The newNàdair. The other would likely be destroyed, just so no one could claim it in the future.

Neither Alec nor Saoirse had children yet. If the rebels succeeded, the family line would end with them.

Perhaps one of his siblings should do something about that soon, Alec at the very least. Rion wasn’t certain Saoirse even wanted children.

“The young Lord of Brónach has deigned to grace us with his presence? I shall have to make a grand statement welcoming you to the city.”

Rion turned slowly toward the familiar voice, his sand rising to surround his body as he did. He stared at the male’s shoulder-length brown hair, at the matching eyes, then the sharp angular jaw his sister had broken the last time they’d met.

“No statement needed, unless it’s to explain why you’re not behind bars.”

The male waved one hand and Rion watched it intently. He didn’t need Selina digging any more vines out of his flesh. “Simple,” the male purred. “There wasn’t enough evidence and the governor dismissed the case.”

“Last I remember, there was plenty of evidence.”

The male shrugged and slid his hands into his pockets. A sly smile broke across his face. “I suppose the lawmakers were careless then.”

Rion surveyed him again, then turned to observe the palace. He kept a close watch on the male through his peripherals. Rion didn’t need to look much further to determine who sat in the inner circle. This male, Foley, had been involved last time. He’d crafted the first batch of poisons that led to the death of dozens.

Foley could be at the very center of it all. But if Rion arrested him now and he turned out to be wrong—

“Perhaps they should resign if they can’t be trusted to do their jobs.”

Foley’s smirk didn’t vanish. “So like your sister. Not an ounce of tolerance for the occasional error.”

Rion eyed him again. He didn’t let his magic fall. “I hope you’re spending your newfound freedom being productive.”

“I am, as a matter of fact. I’ve made my way onto the city council. They’ve invited me in as a key speaker at the upcoming ball. One of many, as I’m sure you’re already aware. We have elaborate plans to house those displaced by all the recent attacks.” His brow furrowed. “Nàdair’s lack of concern for the issue has raised questions.”

“It’s being addressed.”

“But not publicly.” The male sighed. “I tried to convince Saoirse to allow me to take the brunt of the public eye. The offer still stands.” He looked around. “Did our esteemed Lady not accompany you?”

“She’s on her own assignments.”

The male’s brows lifted. “I thought you’d still be attached at the hip. Good on you for finally breaking the chain.”

Rion kept his temper in check. “It’s been a few years. It was time.”

Silence engulfed them and a small crowd had started to form at the other end of the street. Whispers floated close. Rion grimaced. So much for remaining anonymous.

“Why are you here, Rion of Brónach?”

Rion forced a smile. “Am I not allowed to take a holiday?”

---