Page 14 of The Stars are Dying

“Might I join you?”

The woman’s eyes narrowed a fraction. My shoulders didn’t relax until she eased a small smile.

“Has your escort abandoned you, dear?”

I didn’t get to answer before her hand stretched out, releasing her partner to link arms with me.

“I understand you must feel embarrassed to be seen walking in alone.”

That wasnotmy concern. Though it seemed good enough for her, so I nodded, plastering on a sad smile. Unexpectedly her palm touched my cheek, and I flinched. Her arm retracted as if my reaction had frightened her.

We stared at each other, and I couldn’t fully decipher what crinkled her brow and had her scanning my face then my body again, but my stomach churned, and suddenly I wanted to abandon this plan. Her mournful expression stirred within me a desire to protest and deny whatever it was that looked like pity in her eyes.

“Come, dear,” she said softly.

When our steps moved, I remembered to stay focused. This woman meant nothing to me, and I would never see her again once I made it inside with an excuse to part.

The guards outside the Keep didn’t question them after inspecting the man. I didn’t know who I’d linked arms with, but they had to be of a high family name to be granted such unfaltering acceptance. I’d always had to be in Cassia’s company to make it this far. The eldest daughter of the reigning lord, she despised these surroundings as much as I did mine, and the familiar jittering nerves of confinement threatened to surface. It was why we preferred to spend time away from both, high up on the hills overlooking the main city.

“Halt.”

I froze and the woman guiding me jumped with fright when a strong voice intercepted us halfway down the entrance hall.

“What can I do for you, guard?” The man stepped forward, defensive.

My eyes landed on the guard, my blood racing at his tall form and hard expression around pine-green eyes. They studied me, calculating. He was very handsome with his brown locks combed back neatly, though a thick strand rebelled to curve over one temple.

“Name?” he asked me directly.

I swallowed hard. “Dallia Omarté.”

His chin lifted faintly in approval. “You are far from your quarters of the Keep. Might I escort you there?”

I relaxed, giving the woman who’d helped me past the gates an assuring squeeze to let me go. “Thank you,” I whispered to her.

She gave a smile, though I could see the confusion on her face, and sweat began to form under my layers. I looked to the guard, giving a nod for us to leave before the echo at my back raised the hairs on my nape.

“I thought their daughter had left for Helvisar in the fall…”

The hand on my back jolted me to keep pressing forward despite my nerves.

“She did,” the guard muttered, leaning close to my ear. “And you’re lucky no one is going to listen to her rambles, Astraea.”

4

Down an open stone hall lined with archways that led out onto a small courtyard, a hook on my arm pulled me from my wonder and awe at the Keep.

“What are you doing here?”

I snapped my attention to Calix. “I had to see her. It might be my last chance.”

My nerves spiked. That wasn’t my only reason. Not anymore.

“Shit, Astraea, you look like hell. You shouldn’t be wandering around in this weather.”

“Thanks for your concern, but I’m here now. Can you take me to Cassia?”

Calix surveyed the quiet area. A few humans walked along the opposite path. The Keep was far more tranquil than I thought I’d find it at this hour.

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