Page 18 of Secrets and Starlight

“It’s the same everywhere,” Rhett sighed. “We’ll line our pockets with gold before allowing anyone else to profit from it.”

Iona smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m glad you haven’t changed, Rhett. At least, not in this.”

Rhett met her gaze with a softness I had never seen there before. “And, Iona, it’s... I don’t know if I said this earlier...” he stumbled over his words. “You’ve only grown more wonderful.”

She lifted her chin. “You always were a flatterer.”

They were so adorable, but Rhett was at such a loss of words, so completely besotted, I couldn’t help my snicker. “Iona, you’ve tangled his tongue. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.”

Rhett waved my comment aside. “See how my cousin teases me!”

Iona smirked.

I stepped away, taking the cue that they needed space, even if I was absolutely clueless what I would do on my own. Zayne was nearby but unavailable. How I wished I could vanish into his shadows—they seemed far more welcoming than the hungry fae surrounding me. Perhaps I could leave sooner than later. With everyone occupied, maybe this was our perfect opportunity to uncover the shards—

Someone tapped my shoulder, and I turned around, finding myself face to face with the Starlit King. He towered over me, and my heart began to pound. Fighting the instinct to turn to Zayne, I forced myself to stare up at the king.

“Shall we dance?” he asked, as if it was that simple. He towered over me, radiance spilling from him as if he’d been kissed by the stars and not their king.

My mother had never spoken well of him and neither had Zayne, but nothing had prepared me for the pull of his power.With his gaze boring into me, something stirred on the fringe of my mind, undeniable and intangible.

I didn’t hesitate to take his hand, and the music shifted, becoming a slower piece I thankfully knew.

He spoke as we danced. “I expected to know everyone here, in one way or another. You, though, have surprised me.”

Despite my grace, I struggled not to stumble. “I’m Aida. I’m here with Rhett, er, the Master of the Golden Apple Trading Guild.” Swallowing, I decided to lean into my nervous babbling. “He’s my cousin. You see, I grew up in Valterra, and I’ve never been to the Isles before. So naturally, I’m new here. Assuming, of course, you haven’t traveled to Valterra yourself.”

In fact, I knew that he hadn’t been to Valterra for a long time, not since before I was born.

“I see.”

We took a few steps together, and my confidence slid with each passing moment. Should I be worried that he had singled me out, or was this part of his persona, to know every person in the room? I needed to know what insight Zayne might have. But for now, I could handle this. I had to.

The dance slowed even further, and despite its ease, I was breathless.

“You dance well for someone who is new,” he whispered in my ear.

“I frequented the fae fiddle bars in Valterra.”

“Is that so?” He spun me about, and I realized countless others were watching us.

My skin grew warm, and my hands began to glow. My breaths became shallow. It was all too much. His attention. Their attention. This dangerous game of subterfuge.

Light spread from my fingers and into his, growing hotter by the second.

“Oh, Teyr!” I yanked my hand from his grip.

Had I hurt him?

But the king smiled, seizing me before I could escape. Quickly, my light calmed, as if obeying his touch. “Don’t worry,” he said. “You can’t hurt me, not with starlight.”

“Starlight?”I gaped at him, my act slipping as my feet stilled, too stunned to continue the dance. “I didn’t know what my magic was. My father… I never knew him.”

He frowned. “It’s starlight, through and through. I would know.”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I turned my face down in embarrassment. “Still, I’m sorry. It’s my first time beyond the Rift, and I’m still learning to keep it under control.”

He shook his head, sweeping me into the next step of the dance. “You’re first lesson is to never conceal it. After all, starlight was never meant to be hidden away.”

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