Page 82 of Stars May Burn

There were only two couples dancing, and we entered just as the last dance was finishing. Kasten’s grip slid down to my hand as he led me to the center and stood opposite me. His expression was as severe as ever, but somehow, I could sense warmth in it. His earlier anger had vanished.

“Anyone in this room I shouldn’t speak to?” I teased.

He lowered his head closer to mine. “You only need to speak to me.” The words made my mouth dry and my heart rate pick up. I couldn’t even work out why. He let go of my hand and stepped back into position.

The dance was a simple, familiar one. We started with small steps, rotating in a circle while keeping our gaze on each other’s face. The pace built and we circled each other faster and faster, almost touching every time we met in the middle, but not quite. I’d never realized the dance was meant to be teasing before, but then I’d never felt as drawn to the man opposite me as I was drawn to Kasten.

It felt good to dance again. The music unlocked my limbs and gave me the freedom to move until each flowing gesture became an expression of joy straight from my heart. I beamed at Kasten, hoping he felt some of the freedom I did. His eyes didn’t leave my face, and for a moment, his lips twitched upward. It was enough to know he felt joy in this moment, too, and my cheeks warmed.

We stepped toward each other again, our bodies only a hairsbreadth apart, and my heart lurched as I drew closer to his intense gaze. Those fascinating eyes. I looked down as we retreated, spun, and then came back together. He raised his hand, and I held up mine in a mirror image. Our skin was so close to touching, I could feel static between our palms.

We stepped away once more, and I sucked in a deep breath of air. I turned, and then Kasten was behind me, close enough for me to feel his breath on my neck. The dance was no longer an expression of freedom; it made me feel like I was tied to him, gravitating toward him. I couldn’t feel my own movements—only his. It was the opposite of freedom, yet I didn’t feel trapped. More and more, I wanted our skin to touch and my body to find its center again. Because, right now, my center was him.

I stepped away, a little farther than needed, confused by what the dance was making me feel. Kasten’s lips had parted, and he appeared flushed. The room was getting hot. My eyes drew back to his lips, and I remembered our kiss.

I missed my step and stumbled on the hem of my skirt. Kasten stepped forward and caught me, pulling me into him. All at once, I could feel him everywhere, and after the teasing absence of his touch, I gasped at the shock. “Sophie, are you all right?”

I realized the few other couples in the room were watching us. I swallowed with embarrassment as I righted myself and tried to step back, but Kasten’s hands didn’t leave my forearms.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. Why had I allowed myself to get so distracted staring at his face?

He smiled, a small but tender smile I’d never seen before. It completely transformed his face, softening every angle. He helped me back into position and slipped his hands around my middle for the next part of the dance, which had slowed in pace. His hands were big enough to encircle my waist. I wished he would hold me like this more often.

Too soon the music died, and Kasten stepped back, taking my hand and brushing his lips against the back of it. I could only stare at him, my breaths short of oxygen. Yes, this room was too hot.

Kasten guided me to the side of the room and handed me a cup of cranberry juice from the table, before picking up a second for himself. Excitement and wonder bubbled away in my stomach as I felt closer to Kasten than before. Even our earlier argument made our relationship feel more real.

“Sophie, I—” He broke off abruptly, his face hardening as he looked over my shoulder.

A servant approached in royal livery, catching me by surprise, and bowed deeply to Kasten. “General Batton, the king has asked for a private audience with you.”

Kasten instantly tensed, and his face became a cold mask. I was seeing the brutal general once more, unknowable and without weakness.

Callum hurried to my side and said nothing. That, more than anything, told me this was bad.

Kasten turned to me. “This shouldn’t take long. Remain with Callum and stay away from Duke James, that lecherous viscount, Lord Lyrason, Lord Charles and Lady…actually just stay away from everyone until I return.”

Before I could say a word, he strode after the servant, striding with wary grace. I felt the absence of his presence at once and tried to cling onto the warm feelings that lingered in my chest from our dance.

Callum whistled under his breath. “He is not going to be in a good mood when he gets back.” He looked back at me and forced a smile. “Come. I don’t think Kasten would forgive me if I asked you to dance when he’s only had one dance himself. Let’s look at the gardens from the balcony. You’ve not been to the palace before, correct? There might still be enough light left to enjoy them from afar.”

We turned and were startled to find Lord Lyrason lurking on the other side of the open door. My heart fled to my throat, but his manner was relaxed despite the sharp cut of his navy jacket. He gave me a small, non-threatening smile and bowed politely, before slipping his glasses back up his nose. His short grey hair was shot through with pure white, despite not looking much older than forty, and he was clean-shaven.

I gathered myself and curtsied in return while Callum sketched a bow that was borderline mockery.

Lord Lyrason clasped his hands behind his back. “I’m sorry, Lady Sophie. I didn’t mean to startle you. Please forgive me.”

I bowed my head in agreement. “Not at all.”

He nodded and turned to Callum. “It’s been a while, but your dress sense is impeccable as always.”

Callum raised an eyebrow. “Has it really been a while? Pity. I’d hoped it would be longer.”

He was almost as bad as Kasten, and I thought about standing on Callum’s foot to remind him to be polite while he was in the palace, but Lord Lyrason only laughed.

“Indeed. Well, you and I share a lot in common, Mister Tavolyn. It’s a pity you don’t want to be friends. We would have some very interesting discussions, I’m sure.”

Could he really be the man Kasten and Callum believed him to be? He seemed so amiable. Did he really turn people into monsters and set them loose in the poor districts of Adenburg?

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