Page 36 of Until the Stars Fall

Apparently, three years of training had done little to save me from the aches and pains of working on my feet all day. At least my shoulders and arms seemed to be handling the return to work better. They barely felt fatigued, even after being in the kitchen since sunup.

Swiping my hand across my brow, I surveyed the empty kitchen and made one final check to ensure everything was clean and in its proper place. The morning would be here soon enough, and the last thing I wanted was to have Mrs. Bishop scolding me before I’d even had my coffee.

Satisfied with the work I’d done, I wearily turned and headed down the hallway to my room—or rather, the room I now shared with Millie, the head maid. When I’d left, Mrs. Bishop had shifted the staff around to give everyone more space, but unfortunately, no such changes were made upon my return. I missed the old room that had been Mother’s and mine. If I’d still had that private room, I wouldn’t be forced to wear my knives at all times and worry constantly about a roommate catching me with them.

When I got to my door, I drew in a deep, steadying breath and sent my wish up to the stars that Millie would already be asleep. Although she’d never come right out and told me she hated me, the disdain in her eyes when she looked at me was hard to miss. Even though I knew she wouldn’t talk to me if she was still awake—as she never spoke more than a few words and only said those out of necessity—I didn’t particularly want to deal with her silent scrutiny either.

But today held no luck for me. As soon as I opened the door, a low grumble hit my ears as her chair scraped against the floor. Entering the room and closing the door, I kept my eyes down and forced a tight-lipped smile onto my face. I hadn’t made it even halfway to my bed in the far corner when Millie stepped in front of me. Slowly I lifted my eyes.

Ah, there it was. The annoyance and bitterness.

I raised a brow in question.

In a flat tone, she said, “A message for you.”

She held up a folded piece of paper.

Who would send a message to me?

The only person outside of this palace who even knew I existed was Raven. My heart perked up and then immediately ached at the memory of my friend.

When I still hadn’t taken the paper from her, Millie pushed it toward me. “Just read it, Lieke.”

“How did it arrive?” I asked, gingerly fingering the smooth paper. Why was I stalling? Why was I so nervous to read it?

“The page brought it. Said it was urgent. From the prince.”

My heart thudded to a stop.

The prince?

“Brennan?” His name was on my breath before I could think better of it.

Millie rolled her eyes and shook her head as she turned back toward her desk. She mumbled something under her breath, and although I couldn’t hear it, I was sure she was questioning my sanity.

I didn’t open the message until I was on my bed, where I sat with my legs pulled up like I used to do as a child. My veins thrummed with anticipation and wonder.

Every day since I’d returned home last week, I’d gone about my tasks, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, wishing our paths would cross so I’d have a chance to speak to him again. It hadn’t worked out at all, though I had seen his brother a few times. And Connor might as well have believed I didn’t exist with how little attention he paid me. Like he truly didn’t remember how close Brennan and I used to be.

Maybe he didn’t.

Stars, even Brennan had forgotten our old friendship for years.

Until I returned. Until now. Until this message.

You don’t even know if it’s from him.

It could be from Connor.

Unlikely. Just open it already.

Holding my breath, I unfolded the paper. My heart stopped.

In his casual scrawl was a single line:

Lieke, meet me. Tonight, in our spot. - B

Our spot.

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