Page 171 of A Fate so Cruel

Anger pulsed from the female. Her brows knitted in anger. She scented the air again, opened her mouth, likely ready to call him every foul name known to their language, then hesitated. She sniffed the air again, studied his face, and Rion’s heart raced.

“I know you.” Her voice was soft. Surprised.

He shrugged and turned away. “Most do.”

“No.” She shook her head. “Iknowyou.” She adjusted in her seat, as if trying to get comfortable. “You’re the one who’s been liberating Brónach’s slaves.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The scent of the lie floated between them. He only said it for those who might be listening nearby. Alec always had spies everywhere. Even in Móirín.

Lillian followed his gaze outside and seemed to understand. But to his utmost surprise, she relaxed in the chair.

“Interesting choice of . . . restraints,” she commented.

Rion didn’t meet her gaze. “I didn’t like the alternatives.” One of Alec’s slaves had given him a bag full of iron shackles. Rion had chucked it into the nearest river. “You’re a High Lady. You shouldn’t be in chains.” Rion only knew about the bracelets due to his mother. She’d often worn them to control her visions when they got out of hand.

“The thoughtfulness is appreciated.” She observed the room again, from the single door to Rion’s right to the lack of furniture save for a moth-eaten mattress in the corner. It looked more like a prison cell than a safe house.

“Could I request some water?”

He should have said no, especially considering where she was from, but Rion pushed off from the wall and grabbed his canteen. He poured a bit into a cup before approaching.

Lillian didn’t balk at his magic; she simply stared at it, as if curious. Without touching her, Rion lifted the cup to her lips and tilted it back slowly. He returned to his place by the wall once she’d finished.

“Is this about the land?” she finally asked.

Rion ran his hand through his hair again. “My brother seems to feel this is the only way to obtain it.”

She sighed. “I almost had my mate convinced to hand it over last night.” She shook her head. “When he discovers I’ve been taken—”

“I know.” Rion had never viewed the High Lord of Móirín as a gentle male. Alec had spoken to him before. He knew his mannerisms and yet he’d still done this. “Alec will probably try to cast the blame on me in the end.”

“He’s done that before?”

“Not to this extreme.” If Alec was able to convince the High Lord of Móirín that Rion had acted of his own accord, the male could likely demand Rion’s life in exchange for peace.

Alec would be more than happy to oblige.

“You’re upset with his decision.”

“It’s a common occurrence.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Is this what I have to look forward to when my daughters come of age?” Rion didn’t respond. “Though, I suppose your relationshipwith your siblings is somewhat strained due to—” she paused. “Circumstances beyond your control.”

“You could say that.”

She eyed him, watching, evaluating. “The slaves still protect you, you know.” Rion turned to her. “All these years and they’ve never once given you up. No name, no description. Nothing, no matter how much I beg.” She studied his reaction, but Rion kept himself still. “That first group,” she continued. “The female leading them. Cara. She’s much older now, but still runs things in her segment of the city. She started her own business. I thought you’d like to know. She opened a tea house and has three beautiful children.”

Emotion welled in Rion’s throat. “Why are you telling me this?”

“I thought you should know how much of a difference you’ve made. Many, not just Cara, have children of their own. Some aged, others didn’t, but they all live very different lives now. Their children live very different lives.”

They were free. Because of him.

“We don’t have to continue this, you know.” He turned to look at her. “I can tell my husband this is all just a big misunderstanding.”

“I’m sure he’ll listen.”

“He will to me.” The shift in her tone had Rion straightening. He had to remind himself that Lillian wasn’t just any female. “I’ll tell him the truth. About who you are and what you’ve been doing. He won’t hold you responsible.”

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