Page 86 of Stars May Burn

Kasten slumped back in his chair in relief. The lord in question stood, and chatter broke out, but my eyes were still on Lord Lyrason. His mouth was open in shock. His hands half raised. He looked betrayed, and that look was quickly turning to fury.

Callum chuckled next to me. “Look at him! He looks like a spoiled puppy that’s been kicked out into the street!”

Kasten’s response was more measured. “I think the king might have just made himself a very powerful enemy. There’s definitely something going on between them.”

Callum sat back. “Good. Let our enemies be occupied fighting each other. Might mean we actually get a break.”

I kicked him under the table. “Not too loud.”

Kasten shook his head. “The king wants to finalize the plans for the next campaign. He wants me here in a fortnight for a week to decide on the best plan.”

My heart sank.

Callum frowned. “Already? A whole week?”

At least he wouldn’t be away fighting this time. Still, I would miss him. I’d wanted us to have time to build our relationship now it was moving forward. There was still so much about him I didn’t understand. I squeezed his knee with gentle pressure.

Kasten nodded. “I get the feeling I’m being kept busy and out of the way. Lord Lyrason and the king might be working together.”

Callum sighed and drank his wine, then leaned over and drank mine too. “Well, that news has thoroughly ruined my day.” A servant leaned over and refilled both glasses.

More servants arrived with the first course of food, poached eggs in an acidic smelling sauce with watercress, and I lifted my hand from Kasten’s knee. I instantly missed our connection but couldn’t eat politely one-handed. Even though I didn’t understand much of what was going on, while we were touching, I didn’t feel left out.

Kasten stood and held out his hand to me as the servants came to clear the dessert bowls. I took it and smiled as I rose, pride blooming in my chest that I was standing next to the general in view of all these important people.

Kasten’s eyes lingered on me for several heartbeats before he turned away. “Now that dinner is over, the less distinguished guests join us and there’s ballroom dancing.” I could tell from his tone that he wasn’t enthused. “Would you like to stay?” The question sounded genuine.

I chuckled and patted his arm. “You were very kind to dance with me earlier. I won’t put you through that again in front of the masses.” After seeing the king’s effect on Kasten, and how much he hated being here, I just wanted to go home where it was safe. Hopefully, we’d have another chance to dance together at a different occasion. “Shall we go to our carriage?”

Callum stood up from the table. “Ah, but the wine here is so good.” He glanced down at me and grinned. “No, you’re right. Now is a good time to leave before mister grouchy here gets any worse.”

Kasten ignored him and narrowed his eyes at somebody across the room. “You two make your way to the atrium. I need to have a word with somebody.”

Callum followed his gaze and worked his jaw but said nothing. He threw me a smile and nodded to the servants in the corner. “I’ll ask for our cloaks and coats.”

I nodded and picked up my glass, sipping the last of the sweet berry dessert wine. The explosion of flavors warmed me from my toes to my cheeks. Callum was right, it was good, and I didn’t want to waste it. To one side, full orchestral music started to play, and I drifted from the table to get a glimpse of the royal ballroom before we left.

I rounded the corner and dropped my glass. It shattered on the marble floor, sparkling shards covering the hem of my dress with specks of red.

Father was standing there, George at his side.

Seeing him so close made it hard to breathe. I tried to collect myself as I shrank under the pressure of his gaze. I was very small and very alone.

“Is that how you greet your father, Sophie?” He frowned down to the splinters of glass. “What a mess you are making.” His fingers tapped the top of his walking stick in displeasure.

A tremble ran up my spine. I’d thought I was stronger than this. I thought I would face him more easily now that I’d had sent George away. But I was just as weak as ever. Pathetic.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered and bobbed a curtsy. I bent down to pick up the smashed glass pieces. Gloved hands reached them first and I followed them in surprise to see Kasten bent down beside me, efficiently collecting the pieces. His expression was suppressed rage.

I glanced back at Father. He wouldn’t approve of Kasten kneeling on the floor due to my mistake. He studied my husband with pursed lips and calculating eyes.

Kasten leaned toward me, as I half knelt. “I’m sorry I left you. I’m here now.”

I wanted to reach out and grab him to absorb some of his strength and confidence, but I resisted. We stood together, and a servant hurried over to take the glass pieces from Kasten’s hands.

“Lord Halfield.” Kasten nodded curtly. “It appears you startled my wife.” There was no warmth or courtesy in his tone, only accusation.

Father bowed his head. “My apologies, General. I apologize on her behalf, too, for the trouble she just caused you. She has always been a little clumsy.” His eyes flicked to mine with the last sentence, and I looked down and kept my back straight, my hands folded neatly in my skirts. The posture that made everyone look over me.

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