Page 70 of Bound By Stars

“Nova and Samuel Fleet.”

“Afraid I don’t know any Fleets. Thereissomething familiar about you, though.” Pulling me in a little closer, she studies me. She looks equal parts frail and formidable. It’s something behind her eyes. Like she could get up and waltz across the floor as likely as she could be too weak to stand. Even with her clear lack of boundaries, I think I’m going to like this woman.

“I’m Aquilla Nole. Friends call me Quilly. You can call me Aquilla.”

I definitely like her.

“Sit with me, Fleet. I’m in dire need of company. These events haven’t been fun since 2170. What’s the point if you aren’t young enough to dust up a bit of scandal or be swept off your feet?” She adjusts her beaded gown like she’s making room, but she doesn’t actually move back.

I sit in the chair next to her, a little too close for my comfort, but she continues squinting at me like I’m too far away.

Keeping her eyes locked on my face, her hand flies out, catching a passing arm. “Captain, stop and meet my new friend.”

With a heavy sigh, Captain Nazari pauses next to Aquilla’s chair with a hard set to his jaw and a tight smile.

She grips his forearm like she’s keeping him from running away. “Have you met…” She squints at me like she’s trying to remember my first name, but she didn’t ask for it.

“Weslie Fleet.” I fill in the blank.

“Yes. Weslie Fleet. She tells me she’s from Earth.” She turns her attention to the captain and raises her eyebrows at the mention of my planet like it’s significant to him. A warning, maybe? Monitor this one closely, she’s an Earther.

“Good to meet you, Ms. Fleet.” His expression softens, eyes lingering on my face longer than seems necessary. Recording a mental mugshot? Still trapped in Aquilla’s grip, he bows his head to me. “Always good to find an Earther among the elites.”

I nod once. But what the hell does that mean?

Placing a hand over Aquilla’s frail fingers, he bends down closer. “You ladies will have to excuse me. I’m expected to make the rounds at these things.”

“Of course.” She pats his hand and releases him.

He glances back at me once before disappearing into the crowd.

Aquilla scrutinizes him as he walks away. “He holds the record for safe crossings, you know. So popular among the ultra-rich. Smooth, debonair, very handsome. Slipped right in among the elite of the elite.”

She’s as big a gossip as Asha.

“So…which one will you choose tonight?”

I frown. “I’m sorry?”

“Love or scandal?” She raises one thin white eyebrow. “Or possibly a bit of both?”

“I’m, uh…I…”

Jupe lays a hand on her shoulder. “Quilly. Don’t scare Weslie off before I’ve managed to convince her to dance with me.”

“Ah…a bit of each it is,” she whispers, bringing me back to reality. She winks and then peers up at Jupiter. “Of course, dear.”

I rise from the chair. “It was nice meeting you, Aquilla.”

She pulls me in closer again before releasing her grip and shaking her head.

As we walk away, she mumbles something under her breath, but I can’t make it out.

Jupe stops at the edge of the dance floor as a new song begins. “Do you know how to waltz?”

“Kind of.” In my mind, sunlight breaks through leaves and a warm, dusty breeze brushes my bare legs. I follow my mother’s steps through the soft dirt. My bare feet are clumsy and small. She hums a high-pitched tune, holding long notes as I miss a step, and she guides me in the right direction. Back, side, together, front, side, together.

Jupiter offers his hand.

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