Page 13 of Starchaser
Only dinner. It’s only dinner. Eat. Make conversation. Try not to panic.
Beneath the tablecloth, a warm hand closes over mine.
“Formerpirate,” Will says, his voice light, his smile pleasant. “Aster was forced to live a certain…lifestyleto survive. She takes no pride in the things she did before her clan’s name was written on the King’s Marque.”
He gives my hand a squeeze. I squeeze back.
“Pity,” Eliza says, waving her hand in dismissal. “I’m sure youhave some thrilling stories to tell.” She winks at me. “Perhaps next time we dine together,” she adds, her gaze sliding to Will, “Billie won’t be around to speak over you.”
“Eliza,” Will says, raising his glass, “you never change.”
She grins. “I certainly hope not.” She takes a deep draught of her wine, the berry-colored liquid darkening her red lips to a shade of burgundy I’m all too familiar with. “Well then, I suppose you’re looking forward to being knighted?”
The change of subject sends me reeling. Thankfully, at that moment, our food arrives. The waitstaff, in their crisp white uniforms, place polished silver platters in front of us, removing the lids to reveal steaming dishes of steak and roasted potatoes.
My jaw must have dropped into my lap, because Will’s hot breath tickles my ear as he whispers, “You look lovely when you’re surprised.”
Now it’s my turn to blush. I’m somewhat taken aback by Will’s boldness; he’s always acted indifferent toward me in front of others, constantly afraid of anyone discovering the true nature of our relationship. I realize, suddenly, that inviting me to dinner must be a calculated move. That he’s chosen tonight to act so…forwardbecause the king has brought me into the fold, not because we’ve secretly been friends—or perhaps more—for the past few months. And I find that, either way, it’s a relief to finally share a moment with Will without having to look over my shoulder, even if it’s all for show.
Graciously, Eliza and Winona turn toward each other, having their own conversation and allowing Will and me this fleeting moment of privacy. I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have dinner with Will, just the two of us. Alone. Him whispering in my ear, his hands on my waist, his lips on mine…
The heat in my cheeks intensifies.Damn my cursed imagination. Thoughts of Will’s lips bring with them the memories of his kiss that night in the conservatory. So much has happened since that moment we shared among the roses, but now I find myself wishing he would kiss me again—wondering when he might.Ifhe might…
“Here,” Will says, removing his hand from mine and taking his warmth with him. Delicately, he cuts the steak with a decorum I’m not sure I’ll ever be capable of. “Try it.”
I pierce the steak with my fork and pop it into my mouth. I bite down, flavor flooding my taste buds. And though I wish I could simply enjoy this divine culinary experience, my thoughts shift to the only two people in this world who I wish I could tell all about this single, glorious bite. In a past life, Father and Owen would have listened to me rant and rave about the tenderness of the meat. Father would have speculated over what seasonings the chef chose. Owen would have teased me about using the wrong fork.
Suddenly, I’ve lost my appetite.
“How exciting!” I hear Winona say. “It’s quite an honor to be appointed by the king himself.”
I realize they’re talking about me—about my joining the Bloodknights—and the pit in my stomach deepens.
“Of course, I’d be terrified,” she goes on, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with her napkin. She peers over my shoulder at my guards before lowering her voice to add, “The king’s soldiers are all rather…”
“Violent?” Will supplements, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Not all the king’s soldiers are as vicious as the papers would have you believe.”
Her face blanches as she realizes her mistake. She sputters out, “I didn’t mean—”
“Then again,” he continues, flashing his teeth—teeth I’ve seen him use to rip flesh from bone—in a charming smile. “Some of us are worse.”
Winona appears both petrified and dazzled by the young lord, as if she isn’t sure whether to fear him or fawn over him.
“Forgive Miss Congreve,” Eliza says, cutting a reassuring glance at her companion. “She merely means to say that the Bloodknights in particular have a reputation for brutality. Aside from my brothers, who have a reputation for being asinine.”
“Ah, then you haven’t heard.” Will’s lip quirks, the makings of a smirk. “I believe Aster’s reputation makes the Bloodknights seem like nursemaids.”
“Is that so?” Eliza cocks a perfectly manicured brow. “In that case, I’m delighted to see how the Bloodknights fare against you, Miss Oberon.” She raises her glass, toasting the air. “May you crush their bones and break their spirits.”
Oh, I like this woman.
I raise my glass, dipping my chin in acknowledgment. “I’ll drink to that.”
“And I as well,” comes a familiar voice.
At first, I think I’ve imagined it, but he appears before I have a moment to doubt.
A Shifter stands at the end of our table.
