Page 10 of Stars May Fall

A series of thumps came from outside as Callum half fell down the stairs and crashed into the room. “Kasten, it worked. Sophie’s awake.”

The relief in the room was tangible. I ignored them all and ran to my wife.

ANNABELLE

With Sophie safe, there was no need for me to linger any further at Highfair. I suspected Kasten would want us all gone from his house as soon as possible. And that meant I was now in for an awkward carriage ride.

Lyrason had clearly had the same thought and was gone from the house with Gregane before anyone had the chance to stop him. Duke James lingered in the corner, apparently waiting to see me leave safely with Venerick before he departed.

I couldn’t believe Father had sent Venerick of all people to Kasten’s house. Things had been going smoothly and simply between me and Venerick, and this was sure to hinder the impression I had worked hard to present: that I was sweet, easy to be around, and uncomplicated. I didn’t want him to start asking questions about what I had been up to tonight. So far, the easy, civil relationship that kept most of our lives private was exactly what I had wanted. And since he was the Lord High Chancellor, he was a busy man and had asked few prying questions. Maybe this was exactly why Father had sent him here, to remind me that my misbehaving would have an impact on my relationships and ease of life. Now, Venerick was sure to be suspicious of what I was up to, and I didn’t want anyone to get inthe way of me doing what needed to be done. Father was sure to make my life harder from now on, anyway.

I sighed in frustration. I had just prevented a blood bath. Potentially saved all of Fenland from civil war. But instead of celebrating and collapsing into my bed in an exhausted heap, I now had to smooth things over with Venerick and assure him I was still the suitable bride he thought I was. At least he was unlikely to lecture me, unlike Father.

I let him take my hand and lead me toward the carriage. The front garden of Kasten’s house was small, mostly consisting of high shrubbery to shield the house from the road. There was no drive, merely a path to where the carriages and horses waited on the street. But even the short walk to the carriage felt like a trial. Now the threat had passed and my adrenaline had withdrawn, exhaustion weighed down my limbs, and my mind was sluggish.

“Princess, wait!”

I turned in surprise to see the fashion disaster that was Callum Tavolyn running down the narrow marble steps, one arm outstretched. He caught up with us and grinned, shoving his hands in his pockets as if he had just sauntered up with all the time in the world. “Excuse me. Kasten wanted to give you something.” He held out a velvet pouch.

I hesitated. “What is it?”

He shrugged. “Don’t know, but he half muttered something like an apology for not returning…” He flicked his eyes to Venerick who was radiating awkwardness. “Something.”

I took the pouch. “I owe him nothing. He owes me nothing. Our future business is our own.”

He gave me a strange look as if he didn’t understand me at all. “I will pass that on to him. Well, whenever he’s ready to acknowledge the existence of any people outside of Sophie.” He sighed. “Anyway, farewell.”

He bowed to me and Venerick, a far shallower bow than I would have expected. But then I supposed we were related. I couldn’t remember which cousin of Father’s was his father since he had never been acknowledged and shared his mother’s surname.

But I had much bigger things to worry about than Callum Tavolyn.

Venerick seemed uncertain of himself, even after Callum had disappeared, and we continued down the path in silence. The outer garden gate screeched as Venerick fumbled to open it. I was glad our carriage was parked on the street immediately in front, and there was no sign of disturbances or rabble here. Venerick opened the carriage door and helped me in without meeting my eyes, before climbing up himself. There was no way I could retrieve my hidden crossbow now. I’d have to get it another night.

My betrothed took a deep breath as he sat down opposite me and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “Are you sure you’re all right, Annabelle?” His expression was always so earnest, his voice disarming and slightly clumsy when he was nervous. I wasn’t sure how he survived the intricacies of court and kept his seat as Lord High Chancellor. Surely there had to be others after his title. Was it an act? If so, it was a very good one.

I nodded with a sweet smile. “Thank you for coming to escort me home. As soon as I saw what was happening with Lord Lyrason and General Kasten, I knew I had to intervene. I hope you understand. I’m very tired now.”

He frowned in puzzlement but nodded. “I can always respect actions that seek to resolve disagreements peacefully. And it seems there will be no riots today. I’ll make sure you get back to your rooms safely and tell everyone you’re not to be disturbed. Do you want me to ask the servants to bring you food?”

I shook my head. “No, thank you. I just need to rest.”

He looked as if he were about to say something more but looked out of the carriage window instead. I examined him for a moment. He wore a boring brown jacket and trousers, but they were smart and well made. His wavy hair never seemed to lie flat in the middle which destroyed his attempts at neatness. I forced myself to push through the exhaustion and rested a hand on his knee. My touch made him jump. “Mother told me yesterday that the date for the wedding has been set for three months’ time.”

His brown eyes returned to my face with an intent expression as if he were trying to read me. “Yes. I hope you’re happy with that date, my dear?”

I widened my smile, hoping it looked excited. “It is wonderful news.”

He leaned toward me once more. “I thought that afterward, maybe…perhaps…we could take a tour of the countryside for a month. I’m sure we could ask for our duties to be put on hold for that long.”

I inclined my head. “I would like that.”

My exhaustion was becoming thicker, making my smile harder to maintain. I pinched my forehead. “Forgive me, I have a headache coming on.”

“Oh.” Lord Venerick opened a compartment beneath his seat and handed me a leather water bottle. “Here. You might be dehydrated.”

I drank, wishing to be back at the palace as soon as possible. My mind went back to Kasten and Sophie. I hoped she would wake up as her old self. I still feared what Kasten might do if she didn’t. I ran the events of last night over in my mind one more time and wondered what could help resolve the remaining loose ends to soothe the relationship between Kasten and the Crown. None of them were within my direct areas of influence. I winced. I hated asking for help, but I needed to lie low for a few weeks. I would already be in so much trouble with Father.

I turned to Venerick and hesitated. What would be the cost of asking for his help? Would it be too much to be in his debt? I preferred to do things alone or with people I could easily reward to reciprocate the favor. But this was something small that required me to give him little information. And he was my betrothed. Maybe it would help our relationship progress more positively after what he had seen today. “There is a matter I was wondering if you could help me with, since you understand the legal matters of court.”

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