Page 21 of Bound By Stardust
It was Iscariot who became the leader of the investigation, and he who’d eventually found me, punished me, and cast me down.
What had he told the others?
Most likely, he bragged about his conquest while the kingdom enjoyed peace for six months.
Six months.
Dread coursed through me at what had happened while I was gone. Lost in my musing, I startled when clawed fingers gripped my arm, holding so tight, they cut through the voluminous fabric of my robe.
“Iscariot,” a low voice hissed.
I knew that voice, that tone, and those fingers.
Curses.
I’d forgotten he roamed the halls at night, ensuring everyone was in their place. With a sinking sensation, I turned, steeling myself against the bad breath of Alder.
I’d always hated Alder and his superiority over the Masters. While he wasn’t the leader, he was in charge of the inner circle and the tower where the mortals were kept. He enjoyed his duties of bloodletting far too much and now stood over me, judging.
“Release me,” I snapped hoarsely, knowing if I pulled away, Alder’s claws would draw blood. Once he drew blood, he’d taste it and know I wasn’t one of them.
The claw tightened. “Aren’t you supposed to be in bed with your new conquest?”
“It’s not much of a conquest when we invite them here and drug them.”
“I thought you’d be more eager for your turn between the legs of one of them.”
Blood roared in my ears, and I held myself back from punching him across his masked mouth. Why had I left Asira alone in the room, unguarded?
“She’s sleeping.”
“Huh.” The claw retreated but Alder leaned closer. “I picked her especially for you, Iscariot. Don’t make me regret the choice.”
Alder moved past, intentionally bumping my shoulder and sniffing the air.
I hurried away. Alder was keen and would know if something was wrong. He never trusted me and always turned up when least expected. I wasn’t sure if Iscariot and Alder were friends; from the brief exchange, I assumed there was some level of comradeship, but it did not bypass threats. Quickening my pace, I hurried to the tunnels, hoping I was right about stardust.
13
Asira
Ihad a purpose.
That thought kept me wide awake long after Drazhan said goodnight and left me to sleep, alone, in that enormous bed. Against my sensibilities, I kept reliving the moment when he parted my robe and kissed my neck and shoulders. The act was so intimate, so sensual, I’d given in to his caress without reservation. My skin heated at the reminder of the taste of his mouth, coaxing me out of my shell, making me burn for him.
He was an immortal Master, and I was the Stardust Collector. At least, I had been when I lived down below. Now?
Our paths had drawn us together, and I could almost see my grandmother wagging her finger at me, telling me it was fate, and I should play my part as expected. Did my part include falling for Drazhan?
He was unexpected, and how he treated me with thoughtfulness and consideration left me unsure how to react. I’d assumed marriage was simply a transaction, a give and take, the sharing of strengths and weaknesses all geared toward survival. Drazhan showed me the benefits of companionship and…I dared to think it…how much enjoyment could be gained from spending time together.
Rustling came from the main room, and I sat up in bed. A quiet step sounded, and then the door shut with a muffled click. I pressed my lips together, my skin hot at the idea of him. He’d told me he’d gone in search of weapons and stardust during an hour when many remained behind closed doors. What did the Masters do with their time? I longed to know and to see more of the palace and the grounds.
Restless, I climbed out of bed, wishing I could open a window and let in fresh, cool air. The room was warm enough, yet the scent was stale, the foul odor growing stronger. How was I supposed to unravel the secrets of High Terrin in a week?
I ran my fingers through my hair, my hands anxious to be doing something. I’d never imagined being bored in the floating kingdom, but without my healing supplies, I had nothing to do.
I tried not to think of the other young women who’d been chosen and what they might be enduring. Determination gave me steely courage as I recalled the way the Master slapped Sari, as if her attachment to earthen things was not allowed.
