Page 26 of Stars May Fall

Normally Father and I were close, and he spoiled me with gifts. I hated that we were arguing.

I knocked on the door, my heart pounding in anticipation for the battle ahead. I was ready to defend myself.

A muffled voice sounded through the wood of the white and gold leaf door. “Come in.”

I blew out a breath and entered the king’s office.

Father wasn’t at his imposing desk, but was instead seated on one of the sofas around the low table on the other side, a cup of tea before him. He gestured for me to come over and poured a second cup from the large, gilded teapot.

I obeyed and sat down opposite him, thanking him when he handed me the cup and saucer, but refusing to be disarmed. Every action Father did was deliberate. Did he want to put me at ease to show he had forgiven me, or so he could break through my stubbornness?

“What do you think of the flavor of the tea, Anna? It’s a new blend imported from Cerith.”

I took a sip. I wasn’t much of a tea drinker, and it tasted the same as every other tea I’d drunk in here. “Delicious, Father.”

He grunted in agreement and set his cup back on its saucer. “My dear, I need you to promise there will be no repeat of yourescapades. I won’t ask what exactly you thought you were doing. I don’t want to know. But leaving the palace mustalwaysbe authorized.”

I opened my mouth to object, but he stopped me with his hand.

“Yes, things ended well this time. But what you did was unbelievably dangerous and also highly inappropriate.”

I lifted my chin. “I stopped a civil war.”

Father smiled, his fondness for me shining through. “Perhaps. And your intentions were admirable, I don’t deny that. But listen to me, Annabelle. I need you to understand this. The mechanisms of this court are a complex, well-oiled machine full of thousands of tiny parts. It is my job to know every single one and to keep them all turning. The actions of a single person ignoring instructions could jam the entire smooth working of the machine.”

I frowned. “But surely there are exceptions to every rule, Father. Surely if the stakes against Fenland are high enough, it would be right for me to take the course of action I felt best in the circumstances despite your orders if you were absent.”

Father took another sip of tea, unruffled by my objection. “Anna, I can see that you’re ready for more responsibility. I’ll let you negotiate with the envoy from Nibawae next week. You may discuss the trade deals with them. I look forward to seeing you showcase your skills and proving you are ready for more.” His face and tone became hard. “But don’t go behind my back again. To do so is not just dangerous for you but for me and dozens of others. You are very young. I remember what I was like at your age. You feel invincible and eager, and it’s hard to see where you are being foolish, reckless, or plain wrong. Our country is at war. We have ripples of unrest in Adenburg. I can’t afford any wildcards or unnecessary risks to your safety. I have to know everything that’s going on in the palace.”

I narrowed my eyes, and my heart skipped a beat as words I’d planned to leave unspoken leapt from my mouth. “And do you? Did you know about Lord Lyrason’s halfsouls?”

Father’s face became cool, and he sat back in his seat. “What’s got into you, Annabelle? Concentrate on the envoys from Nibawae. Stay away from General Kasten. I don’t want you to communicate with him at all. That man is more dangerous than Kollenstar right now, and he’s not a good person. Spend time with Lord Venerick. Your poor betrothed deserves more of your affections, and it is a good match. If you do well with Nibawae and create a strong partnership with Lord Venerick, I will increase your involvement with the mechanisms of court, which includes sharing more information. How does all that sound?”

I plastered a bright smile on my face. “Thank you, Father. I shall do that.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “I mean it, Anna. I want nothing but perfect behavior from you. And visit your mother this afternoon, won’t you? She keeps complaining that you don’t join her for dinner often enough.”

I inclined my head.

There was a sharp knock at the door. The king checked his pocket watch. “Ah, yes. That should be Lyrason.”

I perked up. “What will you do with him, Father? The crimes he’s committed are awful in themselves, not to mention that his attack on Kasten’s wife almost led to a civil war.”

And to think there was a time when I’d thought Father would ask me to marry this man. I’d been playing my part dutifully, all smiles and charm, but I’d never thought Lyrason capable of any of this. We weren’t particularly close, and he would’ve led me along with his pretty little lies so easily. It would not be the same with Venerick. I would be in control of our relationship from the start and keep my secrets close to my chest.

The king’s jaw tightened. “Yes, I am quite aware where his mistakes almost led us.” He stood and held out his hand to help me rise too. “And though you shouldnothave been there, and shouldnevergo out unaccompanied again, part of me was glad you liaised between the two of them. Whatever illegal weapon Kasten has, if he had unleashed it…” The king paused to collect himself. “Go now, my dear. See your betrothed and your mother. Work hard. I’ll see you tomorrow after your dancing lesson.”

I bobbed a quick curtsy as he walked across the room and settled himself behind his intimidating desk. He resumed more formal mannerisms, and tension returned to his shoulders. “Let Lyrason in as you leave, please.”

I walked to the door and opened it. Lyrason bowed his head. “Princess Annabelle.” He no longer looked nervous or scared—he looked resolved and angry. That by itself was deeply troubling.

What was going on between him and Father?

I passed him without returning his nod or meeting his eyes and let him close the door behind himself. The corridor was deserted. I stood for a moment, my heart quivering with indecision, before giving in to the desperate need to find out what was going on.

Kasten had planted suspicions in my mind, and they were gnawing away at me. I took out the velvet pouch Kasten had given to me and rolled my lip back and forth between my teeth. I didn’t want to be overly influenced by my mysterious half brother. I hated to think that anybody else was controlling me or using me for their own means. But what if he was right?

Kasten was rude, grumpy, and prone to anger. But at least he’d been honest with me. As far as I knew, anyway. He kept many secrets, such as the weapon that had appeared from nowhere. How long had he been keeping something like that and what had he intended it for?

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