Page 98 of Stars May Fall

She smiled gently. “Those are wonderful dreams, Sophie. Truly wonderful. And you are deserving of them.”

At her words, the tears threatened to break again. “How can I be deserving of them? People lost their lives to make that store of vitality. How can I be worth that?”

She cupped my cheek. “How can you not? Kasten told me that your father tried to make you small and insignificant. But you were never small. You always burned bright. That is why Kasten tells me he fell in love with you. And you’ve shown the world your fire time and time again. You saved Kasten when he was badly injured. You’ve healed hundreds of people through your plants. You helped save Adenburg.” She patted my heart. “You are a great wife to Kasten. And you will be a great mother to your children. And you have many dear friends who will ensure you succeed.”

I wiped my face on the back of my hand. “You really think that’s possible?”

“I do. The fact you are so anxious about being a good mother shows that you’ll be a brilliant one. And I can think of no better use for these lost lives than allowing new ones to be brought into the world. They will be a blessing.”

I looked away and stared at the waterfall and the gentle lapping of the water. Kasten had made all this beauty, all this wonder for me. He was always trying to show how much he thought I was worth.

We had so much. How had I never truly seen how much Kasten and I had to give?

It was as if a great weight was lifting from my shoulders as I dared hope in that beautiful dream. Tears pricked my eyes. “Thank you, Eloise.”

She squeezed my hand. “Now go and speak to Kasten. Fight for that wonderful future with everything you have.”

I turned and I ran. I ran faster and faster as the lingering touch of my father fell away from me. I would be able to have children after all. Eloise was right. I could have everything I’ddreamed about. In its place, the weight of love I had for my husband only grew in my chest. He’d defeated his own fears, and he couldn’t be any more wonderful. He had given me so much. So, so much. I didn’t knock but burst into his office where he was talking to Callum. I flung myself into his shocked arms as our friend made a hasty exit.

“Kasten, I am sorry. I am so, so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you worry or push you away. I am so sorry. I love you. Please forgive me.”

His strong arms wrapped around me hard, pressing me to his body as if he wouldn’t ever let go, as if he was scared I would melt away. He kissed the top of my head.

“I’ve missed you,” he breathed into my ear.

I tangled my fingers in his hair, wanting to pull him and everything he was as close to me as I could. “Thank you for waiting for me.”

And then his lips were on mine and the ink pot was tipped on the floor, and papers were flying everywhere.

The ballroom was stunning.The chandeliers glittered with thousands of rainbows, and dozens of kryalcomy lights were encased in beautiful blue and green lanterns. The glass doors down one wall were open to the gardens, bathed gold in the light of the setting sun. On the opposite side of the room, tables laden with thousands of bite-sized delicacies beckoned between beautiful floral displays.

I had always known this room would be exceptional. Now as I saw it glittering and expectant, I felt oddly emotional. Who could have guessed I would finally be hosting a ball in Kasomere? And that so many people would come.

Nerves twisted in my stomach. Could I really do this? Could I really host a ball for royalty? Well, I wouldn’t know if I didn’t try. And this was, at last, a risk I could take that didn’t scare Kasten.

Mistress Rose came to stand beside me and bobbed a curtsy. “Is everything as you hoped, Your Highness?”

The title sounded strange on her lips, and I wondered if I would ever get used to it. During her coronation last week, Annabelle had declared Kasten her legitimate brother and elevated his title to prince, though he had publicly renounced all claims to the throne. As a result, I was now a princess. It all felt too grand and strange at the moment, especially when life continued as before in Kasomere.

I beamed at her, happiness spilling out from me. “It’s perfect. Everyone has worked so hard. I never dreamed it would be so beautiful. The queen is due to arrive any minute. I assume all the guest rooms are ready?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ve just checked over them myself. Who would have thought we would have had so many positive replies to our invitations when we’re so far from the capital.” She smiled and clutched her hands together. “It’s about time we were able to show Kasomere off.”

I nodded in agreement. Today was the climax of weeks of hard work, and now we could have a party where nobody was threatening or trying to kill us—and most importantly, where nothing stood between Kasten and me.

The relief I’d felt since talking to Eloise yesterday was tremendous. And I had barely left Kasten’s side since. The ease of his forgiveness had been humbling. His love for me hadn’t dimmed in the slightest. I was the luckiest woman in Fenland to have another chance to get this marriage right.

I smoothed down my glittering silver skirts and admired the way the light from the chandeliers caught the tiny diamonds sewn into the lacework on my bodice. It was an extravagantdress for an extravagant evening. Finally, my mood matched the occasion. We had so much to celebrate, and so much to look forward to.

I sensed Kasten enter the room before I saw him. I turned and grinned at him to share my excitement. He was wearing a flattering black velvet coat, perfectly cut to match his broad figure. It was covered in silver embroidery and joined by a silver cravat to match my dress. I loved every inch of him. He took in the room with admiration. “Sophie, Mistress Rose, you have done a most excellent job.”

Mistress Rose bowed deeper to him than she had previously. “I am glad it has your approval, Your Highness.”

He half scowled. “Save the fancy titles for when the guests arrive.”

I elbowed him. “The party hasn’t even started yet. You’re not allowed to be grumpy already.”

He raised his eyebrows as he looked down at me. “Well, according to Callum, I am always grumpy. Especially at balls.”

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