Page 98 of Starchaser
“The plan is still on,” he whispers, almost reluctantly, prompting me to meet his gaze once more. “The Order will attack Castle Grim today, just after Titus and the princess exchange their vows.”
“But how? Eva was supposed to ensure the ships could pass. If she’s dead—”
“I don’t know all the details,” he says. “Apparently, no one does. Your mother has kept us all in the dark. All I know is that we’re to be ready. At her signal, she asked that you and I make our way as quickly as possible to the harbor. There’ll be a boat waiting to take us to the fleet.”
I wince inwardly at the sting that comes from finding out something my mother could have told me herself, and nod along to what he says. “What about the others? I’m not leaving here without Charlie and Lewis.”
“Neither is your mother,” Will assures me. “Everyone has been given their own escape route. We’re all to meet at the fleet. No one is getting left behind.” He tilts my chin, searching my gaze. “I promise.”
I nod again, unease twisting my stomach into knots.
Another knock.
Will sighs, his thumb stroking my cheek. “Aren’t you going to tell me how handsome I look?” he murmurs, a grin playing on his lips. “It is my birthday, after all.”
I trace the gilded thread that lines the lapels of his formal scarlet jacket. The rich shade of red brings out the paleness of his skin, and I know that beneath his clothes, the cursed wound festers, green lesions pulsing.
“You do,” I say, choking on the lump in my throat. I meet his gaze, forcing a smile. “You look really nice.”
He chuckles, capturing my hand in his and tucking it under his arm. “Really nice,” he echoes, leading me to the door of my suite. He knocks once, signaling for the guards to open it, and guides me into the hall. “I’ll try not to let that go to my head,” he says, smiling as if I’ve just crowned him king of the Known World.
“The princess is not to be disturbed,” the guard says, blocking the door that leads to Leo’s chambers.
“I just need to speak with her,” I insist through gritted teeth, wishing I could unsheathe the daggers at either hip and rephrase my request with the sharp end of a blade. “To congratulate her. It will only take a moment.”
“Miss—”
“Dame,” I correct him, my eyes narrowed.
The guard’s swallow is audible. “Forgive me, Dame—”
“Oberon,” Will finishes for him, adjusting his cuffs with an indolent air. “It’s a matter of utmost importance. Let her inside.”
“But—”
Will fixes him with a look that leaves the guard fumbling to open the door. He remains with the guards, but I rush inside.
“Leo, I—”
I take a step back as Queen Calantha turns to face me, a sweet smile on her bloodred lips. Behind her, Leo gives the slightest shake of her head, her eyes screaming at me to turn around, to flee.
“Dame Oberon,” Calantha says, her head cocked as she appraises my gown, “what a lovely surprise.”
“Your Majesty,” I say, dipping low in a curtsy. “Pardon me for intruding.”
“Nonsense.” Calantha waves her hand, and her long scarlet nails catch the light, glistening like fresh blood. “I was just leaving.”
I rise, my skirt still gathered in my fists, as Calantha breezes past me. The instant the door closes behind her, I start for Leo, but—
She flinches, and I halt.
I take a step toward her.
She takes a step back.
“Is everything all right?” I ask, noting the way Leo’s hand trembles as she struggles to light the pipe perched between her fingers.
“Fine,” Leo answers, nodding vigorously. She flicks the lighter again and again, but it never sparks. “You should go. The wedding is starting soon and—”
