Page 166 of The Edge of Darkness

“And that’s what led you to draw the conclusion that he likes her?”

I sighed. “It’s . . . different, I will admit. But I know when a male is covering his weakness with false strength. He doesn’t want Nivelle to know it, but at the very least, I can guarantee he finds her intriguing.”

“Do you think he’ll act on it?”

I thought about that for a moment. “I think if he’d had a chance last night, he would have.”

“Oh really?”

“He made a comment about dancing, but she had stormed off by then.”

“Well, he just might get his chance tonight.”

“What do you mean?”

“The instruction from Vanir to ‘wear something special’ is because, apparently, he’s hosting a celebration for us—in honor of our union. And you know how his events can get.”

“That’s . . . so nice of him.” I looked ahead to the High Lord as he chatted about legends and lore, and reminded myself to personally thank him later.

Another celebration in Vahrenhall. I only had Lumeri to compare it to, but if this was to be anything similar . . . “Perhaps we should tell Roirdan⁠—”

“No. Just let it unfold naturally. Besides, Roirdan operates better under stress than he does if he has time to plan everything out.”

“A strange quality for a commander, wouldn’t you say?”

“You would think so. But in all reality, the ones who can function best under high stress are the ones who generally have the better outcome. That’s why Aremis is my second.”

I nodded, knowing full well that Aremis had what it took to lead in Niall’s stead if need be.

Then, a thought popped into my head. “You’ve known Roirdan longer than Aremis, I’m assuming?”

Niall nodded, though he looked a bit curious as to why I would ask. “I met Roirdan when I was nearing my third century, and I didn’t meet Aremis and Remic until quite some time later. Why?”

“I was just beginning to wonder why Roirdan wasn’t your first choice for second-in-command?”

Niall shrugged. “I suggested it many times, but he had no interest. Said he appreciated that I even considered him for the position, but he didn’t want to rule. Aremis didn’t like the possibility of ruling either, but he recognized that someone needed to do it, and out of the two of them, he had more knowledge and experience with how a court functioned. I’m just thankful both of them found me worthy enough to pledge fealty to. My rule as High Lord would have been a nightmare if I didn’t have them and Remic at my side.”

“So how did Roirdan become your commander⁠—”

“Niall! Auren!” Nivelle’s voice rang out from up ahead, where Vanir waved for us to catch up.

“I think that’s a question you should ask him later,” Niall said, winking at me as he urged his horse into a trot. Willow got the hint, taking to a trot as well, following the roan’s lead.

When we caught up to Vanir, he slowed his steed’s gait and pointed down the sloping ridge into the valley below, where jagged rock formations formed a maze that scribbled its way through the lush green grass. In the center, a circular, fenced area held half a dozen disgruntled beasts that paced impatiently and growled through their restraints at the fae males who were standing watch nearby.

“These are the newbloods,” Vanir said, looking proudly over the scene. “We caught them the day before your mating ceremony, they just need to be broken in.” He turned in his saddle to address Roirdan directly. “Which is where you come in.”

Roirdan smirked. “Well, what are we waiting for?” He slackened his horse’s reins and dug his heels in, launching down the hillside like a loosed arrow. Remic and Silas did the same. Three boys ready to play with their new toys.

Nivelle’s horse shuffled nervously, but she tugged the animal into submission and stayed by mine and Niall’s side, though she kept a close watch on Roirdan as he led his cavalry of misfits into Dreki territory.

“Fearless, he is,” Vanir observed, shaking his head.

“What are they?” Nivelle asked, setting her sights on the beasts whose wings were bound to their bodies with rope, and whose tails lashed at the air as if it were a physical entity intruding on their personal space.

“They’re called Dreki. All the ones you see there are males.”

“The females are bigger,” Niall added.