Page 99 of Stars May Fall

I hooked my arm through his and leaned my head against his shoulder. “Thank you, Kasten, for agreeing to host the ball. I know this must be stressful for you.”

He took a glass of sparkling wine from the side. “You can host them as often as you like, Sophie. This castle belongs to both of us, and as you have reminded me on many occasions, it is good for us to have friends and allies. However, if anyone here dares to look at you like the Cerith ambassador did at the king’s party, I will personally throw him out.”

I gave him a tight smile, brimming with humor, as happiness bubbled inside me. “You mean you’ll actually let me talk to people this time?”

“Well, the quality of the guests should have greatly improved. And as I said, I will simply kick out anyone who annoys me. It’s not the royal palace. I can do as I like in my own home.”

I spun to face him fully and leaned into him, tilting my face up. He was so attractive, I still couldn’t get used to the fact I was allowed to touch and tease him whenever I wished. I took a little step closer. “And will you dance with me? At least once?”

“Yes,” he said, distracted by studying my face. He leaned down and kissed me. I didn’t care if it smudged my lipstick. His free hand spread across my back and pushed me closer into him. “I will take every free slot you have.” He kissed me again, and I felt warmth start to pool in my belly.

We were interrupted by the sharp sound of someone clearing their throat, and I leapt back from Kasten’s arms in alarm. He didn’t react at all but kept his eyes on me with a smug smile.

I smoothed down my skirts and was horrified to see Beatrice clearing her throat in order to announce the entrance of the queen. Annabelle stood in the doorway in a huge scarlet dress that glittered with rubies and thread-of-gold. Nobles cramped the corridor behind her in an entourage, many looking around the queen. I blinked. I had planned to greet her at the door, but clearly, she had entered as fast as Beatrice could reach us.

How many of these people had just seen us kiss? It was hardly a good introduction of us as hosts.

Beatrice cleared her throat again. “Prince Kasten and Princess Sophie, the queen has arrived. Welcome to Her Majesty, Queen Annabelle.” She finished her words with a deep curtsy.

Annabelle was giving me a wicked grin, and I could feel my skin flushing all the way from my neck to my ears. I composed myself and walked up to her, offering both my hands.

“Your Majesty, welcome to our home. Thank you for gracing our ball with your presence.”

Her grin didn’t drop. “It looked to me like you didn’t want to be disturbed, actually. Are you sure we’re not intruding?”

I looked down, my cheeks only getting hotter. “I am sorry, we got a bit distracted.”

She laughed and looked over my shoulder. “This place looks exquisite. I can’t believe I have never visited Kasomere before. I hope I will receive many more invitations.”

Kasten stepped up beside me and bowed. “Your Majesty.”

Annabelle inclined her head, still smiling. “Your Highness. I hope now that you are hosting, you’re not going to lurk in dark corners and leave Sophie to do all the hard work.”

He reached over and took my hand. “She knows I am fully at her disposal all night. Though she has done an admirable job without needing any input from me.” He looked up at the musicians' gallery and raised his hand in a gesture more suitable for summoning armies than musicians. Music started to play.

The queen looked back to me. “My physician told me that you and Callum have recently found a way to stabilize felixleaf using kryalcomy. I am not familiar with the plant, but he told me the treatment is not in common use since it previously needed to be harvested immediately before it was administered to a patient. I hear it will be the strongest medicine against infection that we have. He predicted it would save hundreds of lives.” She inclined her head to me. “It seems Fenland has yet another reason to thank you.”

A blush was heating my cheeks again. “Oh, it was mostly Callum’s genius. But your physician is very kind. I’ve been hoping to do this for months. I was so excited when we managed to get it to work. I’m hoping we can expand bogland in Kasomere to produce more, and I would love to have an area to grow it in Adenburg as well so we can easily supply the capital. My dream is for it to be available for everyone. It saved Kasten’s life before.”

Annabelle smiled. “Whatever you want and need, you only have to ask. You know you have my support. And it would benice to have you visit Adenburg often so we can have more of our conversations.”

I bowed my head. “Thank you. I will call on you soon, I promise. Though, I had hoped you would stay here for a couple of days following the ball.”

She grinned. “To be honest with you, I have wanted to see Callum’s workshop. I have a few kryalcomy ideas of my own. Alterations to my crossbow bolts. The Maegistrium isn’t happy I have granted Callum exception to their licensing, but I think they will be less vocal if he is producing kryalcomy for the crown, especially after learning of this new medicine you two have made.”

Kasten took a small step forward. “And how are the negotiations going with Kollenstar?”

Annabelle pouted. “We shouldn’t talk about the war at a party, Kasten.” She lowered her voice. “But Venerick is doing an excellent job as our representative at the peace negotiations. Apparently, he can be a ruthless bargainer. They’re terrified of you and your kryalcomy. We should reach a peace treaty soon, and I suspect it will be very much in our favor.” She straightened and looked around the room. “Now, we will have plenty of time to catch up later. I don’t want to keep you from the rest of your guests.”

Beatrice announced the rest of the nobles as they entered and I greeted each one. Kasten remained at my side, inclining his head politely as they passed and, every now and again, whispering comments in my ear. My heart thudded in a heady mixture of nerves and excitement.

Each guest smiled, bowed, or curtsied and expressed their appreciation of the invitation. There were no disapproving looks or veiled threats. Now that we were in the highest favor of the queen, it looked like everyone wished to be in our favor as well. Even Prince Clarence and his group of normally rambunctiousfriends inclined their heads lower than they needed to as he addressed me as ‘sister’. I was never going to get used to this.

After a second wave of guests arrived, Callum swaggered in, dressed in a red suit that made him stand out from all the other men.

He frowned at Beatrice as he came to stand beside us. “Hey, how come you didn’t announce me when I walked in?”

She frowned at him and lowered her voice. “Surely, you count as one of the hosts.”

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