Page 172 of A Fate so Cruel

“And what do you want in return?”

“For you to come live with us.”

His head snapped up. “What?”

“You’re an outcast in Brónach, are you not? I’ve heard the rumors, and yet I see a very different male before me.”

“You don’t know what I’ve done.”

“I do. I’d venture to say I know more than most, given my position. I know about your trips to the border. I know how you’ve defended your people in secret. I know about the slaves.”

“Do you also know how many people I’ve killed in the process?”

“Are we going to start judging one another by the amount of blood on our hands? Because I believe I have a few centuries on you.”

Rion looked at the female, then to her hands. “I can’t imagine you have much.” He didn’t mean it as an insult and thankfully she didn’t take it that way.

She smirked. “Not in recent years. Not with my girls. But rest assured, I’ve seen my fair share of battle. My mate and I even fought alongside your parents at one time.” Rion’s heart skipped. “Our countries are allies, Rion of Brónach. There’s no reason we can’t remain as such.”

“What about the ancient texts?” he whispered.

“They’re stories. Let them stay stories.”

“You don’t believe?”

“I find it very hard to believe a male would risk everything—his reputation, his home, and his life—to free others if he was nothing more than an abomination.”

“Not everyone will share in your beliefs.”

She shrugged. “They don’t have to.”

“It might discredit you as their High Lady.” It was the whole reason he’d steered clear of Saoirse for so long.

“I’ve ruled our country for centuries. One incident isn’t going to change the people’s view of me.” Rion’s jaw worked. A new life. He could start over somewhere. And Saoirse would know exactly where he was. She wouldn’t have to worry.

“What do you say? We could liberate the rest of the slaves in Brónach together.”

“Alec won’t release them.”

“Maybe not at first, but we could set things in motion. I’m certain your sister will join us in the movement.” Rion couldn’t speak for her. Saoirse had always owned slaves, but she’d never mistreated them. She often punished those who did.

“She might, but you should know, the warriors of Brónach are looking for a fight. There’s already been blood spilled.”

“No permanent damage has been done. We can work toward rekindling our alliance. Perhaps we’ve been isolated from one another too long, especially with a new High Lord in place.” She sighed. “My mate and I should have pushed harder for meetings. Perhaps the fault lies with us.” She nodded, as if confirming something to herself. “We’ll see to it. We can make political statements, sentence those who have gone without proper punishment for their crimes. Maybe even change a few more minds about you. The former slaves will step forward. They’ll help you.”

“No one from Brónach is going to listen to a former slave, and Alec is just going to be pissed you didn’t return them.”

“But the citizens of Levea will. You forget, we have half-breeds and humans here who were born free.”

“And Alec?”

“My mate and I can deal with him. He’s young. I’m confident he can be swayed.” Rion wasn’t so sure. “Nothing happens overnight. It’ll take time, but we can start. You and I can begin making changes for those who can’t stand up for themselves.”

Change. The entire concept seemed too good to be true. To think the key to changing things could very well be in the hands of the female he been avoiding for years. A High Lady from a neighboring country.

“Even if all this works out, there’s still the fact that I stole you in the dead of night. I’m not sure your mate will be willing to forgive.”

She shrugged. “Then I guess you two will have to fight it out.” He blanched. “Not to the death, of course. I’ll be there to intervene if it comes down to it. Maybe you’ll get off with a right hook and that’ll be the end of it.” He couldn’t tell if she was joking or not.

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