Page 5 of Stars May Burn

SOPHIE

Miss Claris tightened the straps on my corset against my already bruised ribs, and what little air I’d had in my lungs whooshed out. Stars sparkled on the edge of my vision, and as I blinked them away, I was half convinced I was going to faint. I placed a hand on the mirror to steady myself.

“Last one, mistress,” Miss Claris grunted, her voice clipped with concentration.

I hated this new design in corsets necessary for the style of dresses Father had ordered. Apparently, this season was all about tiny waists and giant skirts, and nothing to do with comfort or practicality or even the ability to breathe.

For a moment I felt anchorless, adrift, disoriented within this world, but I pushed the familiar sensation down at once, finding the cool calm void that plastered a blank smile on my face. I didn’t think about the future. I didn’t think at all.

There was a sharp knock on my door, instantly recognizable as my father’s walking stick. “Sophie? Are you decent?”

“One moment, Father.”

I was only in my shift, corset, and underskirt, so the maid found my silk dressing robe, and I tied it quickly around my waist. Miss Claris opened the door, bobbing a curtsy to the man waiting there.

A happy glint in Father’s pale eyes made my heart wobble with nerves. His stride even bounced a little as he entered my bedroom to loom over me. Reddish-blond hair was tightly pulled back over his scalp and held in place by an onyx clasp, before falling down, completely straight to his waist. His beard was as neatly trimmed as always, a sharp square that only covered his chin.

“You’re no longer required to visit the Greggory’s for tea this afternoon, my dear. You have received an offer of marriage, and I have accepted. Therefore, there is no point in you going out, and we must get you measured for your wedding dress.”

The void quivered around me, and my heart thumped even as I clung to the edges of cool emptiness, desperate to feel nothing. Frederick had been dead eleven days. I had failed to bear him a child. Who could want me with such little persuasion? I lowered my eyes. “That is good news, Father. May I ask who I am to marry?”

Father’s face broke into a full grin, a sight I had rarely seen. “General Kasten Batton.” He elongated each word to make the name sound as grand as possible. “You, my dear, have done very well. You’ve captured the eye of the bastard prince. We will be related to royalty. I always knew you would do well with a little direction.”

The void shattered. I sat down heavily on a chair. I didn’t understand. What interest could that serious man possibly have in me? His eyes were cold, his mouth always a firm angry line, he appeared like a villain from a fairy tale; he terrified me. Father must have arranged something with threats or bribes.

I tried to see past my panic to the benefits this marriage would bring my family. Even though General Batton was out of favor at court, marrying him would mean we were close relatives of the king. That would increase the credibility of Father’s moneylending business and broaden my sisters’ marriage prospects. It would bring wealth. Father was right. It was in the family’s best interests.

I grasped for strength and shaky confidence to subdue my fear. It was another hurdle, another challenge. I would overcome this one too.

My family would likely never have such an opportunity again.

I thought of my sisters’ joy—being presented at court with links to nobility. Maybe they would even have the chance to marry for love. Our family’s position would be secure for generations.

I’d been trained all my life to be a good wife and please others. I could do this. I would win the general over too.

When I’d convinced myself enough, I looked up to meet Father’s eyes. He was still smiling to himself. “I’m suggesting you marry in three days.”

Another blow. I struggled to keep my expression neutral as it became harder and harder to breathe. “Three days? So soon? But what will people think?”

He scoffed. “I couldn’t care less what people think. It’s too great an opportunity to let it slip by, and the date he will be dispatched back to the war has not been confirmed. We can’t risk him dying before this is finalized. And anyway, it’s not good to stay a widow for long, and the prospects offered by this wedding are beyond my expectations. I will have the entire staff focused on it at once. Your brother and sisters will be so happy.”

I lowered my eyes, feeling the bars of my cage tightening around me, closer than any corset. I would survive. I always did, and my family would move upward. It would all be worth it for them.

I nodded, but he was already leaving the room. Miss Claris had started loosening the corset straps, allowing air to flood back into my lungs, when the servant door to my room clattered open and Irabel stumbled through.

My youngest sister had just turned fifteen and was completely spoiled by her mother. Our family fortunes had been far better when she was born than when I was, although we only had five and a half years between us. As such, she was far more free-spirited and carefree. Father had yet to place any of the pressures on her that he frequently placed on me and George.

She grinned at me as she straightened her frilly blush-pink skirts. “You’re marrying General Kasten Batton? This is the best news!” She ran up to me and hugged me. “You’re going to be a princess! This is so exciting. I’m going to tell Claribel right away.”

Miss Claris frowned at her. “You should not be eavesdropping, Miss Irabel. It is not ladylike in the slightest. Nor should you be using the servant’s passage.”

Irabel shrugged and pushed a blonde ringlet behind her ear. “Father was so excited by his letter at breakfast, how could I not be curious? I would have found out soon anyway.” She turned back to me and clapped her hands. “A princess. You’re going to be a princess!”

I smiled despite the hollow dread inside and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Nonsense, Irabel. He’s not a prince and not in line for the throne. He’s illegitimate, remember? He’s only a general.”

She only clapped again. “I’m so excited. Can I embroider your veil for the wedding? I have the perfect crystals from Nibawae that I’ve been saving. They would add a beautiful shimmer.” She ran a hand over the air above my hair as if imagining it on me. “I’m so glad you don’t have to stay as a widow and wear black and be sad all the time. Do you think we’ll all be invited to the palace now? Oh, it would be amazing. Like a dream!” She clasped my hands. “You are truly a wonderful big sister. Be sure to visit us often. You barely did when you were with Frederick. I’m going to tell Claribel.”

She ran out of the room with a huge smile.

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