Page 100 of Stars May Fall

He shook his head and waved his hand. “No, announce me. I wish to hear it.”

Beatrice licked her lips and straightened. “Lord Callum Tavolyn,” she called.

Callum grinned and picked up a glass of sparkling wine.

I frowned at him. “I thought you didn’t like titles and deliberately never used them?”

He sniffed. “Yes, well, now I am a lord for saving the queen and the kingdom. I just wanted to remind everyone. It was for their benefit, of course. All this change could be confusing.”

Kasten sipped his wine and raised an eyebrow. “And now that you have your own lands, does that mean you’ll stop bothering us and go and live over there?”

Callum snorted. “Nah. Not when Sophie puts on parties like this. Plus, it would be too much work to move my workshops.” He held up a finger. “Remember. All of the wealth, none of the responsibility. I have underlings now. They can take care of a simple estate.”

He broke off and looked over my shoulder toward the door with a surprised expression. He reached out and touched my arm. “Sophie, I didn’t know you invited your half sister.”

I turned to see Claribel and her new husband enter the room. I smiled. “I did. I just didn’t know if they would come. Venerick said he thought it would be a good idea.”

“Mister Jakobe Bridge. Mistress Claribel Bridge,” Beatrice announced, double-checking her roll of paper.

They walked to us, a little hesitant, and I beamed at Claribel, raising my hands to welcome her. “Claribel, I am so glad you could come.” She looked well.

Jakobe was tall and slender and seemed unsure of himself, but he had a disarming face. He bowed deeply. “Princess Sophie. Prince Kasten. Thank you for your generous invitation.”

I inclined my head. “You are very welcome. I wish to hear about your wedding and how Claribel is settling in. I know the previous king arranged for it to be a rushed affair.”

I led Claribel to a seat, and we talked like we had never talked before, unhampered by father or expectations. Then I talked with Annabelle who introduced me to another person. And another. And then Kasten was sweeping me away to a dance.

“You seem happy, Sophie.” He slipped his hands in mine, and I appreciated their warmth. He watched me with a content expression on his face that made me melt a little.

I grinned. “I am. I’m so glad Claribel came. And everyone is being so nice. Annabelle seems suited to being queen.” I squeezed his hands. “I hope you’re not finding it all too tiring. Well done for not throwing anyone out.”

He pursed his lips as the dance started, and he led us in the first few steps. “Well, I have been tempted.”

I gasped and leaned closer, lowering my voice. “Who?”

He shrugged. “Everyone.”

I stepped further back. “Kasten!”

His voice became low, and he leaned in as the dance brought us closer together. “And then I will get you all to myself again.” His warm breath tickled my cheek.

I couldn’t hide my smile as I glowed under his intense gaze. “This is a ball, Kasten. It won’t finish until after midnight.”

He pouted. “It’s a good thing I’m a very patient man.” His arm slipped around my waist as he swayed me backward in an arc.

I let the dance take hold of me as we did the moves in tandem, our bodies always touching, our eyes never leaving one another.

As the dance came to a finish, Kasten took my arm to lead me from the floor. A ruckus made us pause and turn to the door. Still dressed for travel and covered in dirt, sand, and sweat, two men had entered the room. I couldn’t believe my eyes. One was Lord Venerick, and the other was Sir Chase. Was something wrong? But no, they were smiling.

Kasten and I glanced at each other before walking to them. Venerick bowed his head to me. “I know I didn’t receive an invitation and am not suitably dressed. I hope you will forgive my intrusion.”

I waved a servant carrying wine over. “Not at all. Are you all right? Have you traveled here straight from Kollenstar?”

Annabelle practically ran to my other side. “Venerick! What are you doing here?”

The way he took Annabelle in, his eyes softening and his lips parting, made my chest clench a little. I smiled.

He took a moment to recognize the question. “Well, my dear, we finished negotiations last night. And the treaty was signed. I saw no reason to delay my return to you. I heard you were at Kasomere, and this city is far closer to the border than Adenburg, so I thought I would surprise you. I missed your coronation. I didn’t want to miss anything else.”

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